In Vitro Screening of Lactic Acid Bacteria with RAW264.7 Macrophages and the Immunoregulatory Mechanism

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are commonly consumed as probiotics to improve gut barrier function and boost the immune system. This study aimed to screen LAB with high immunomodulatory activity using RAW264.7 macrophages. According to the results, Limosilactobacillus reuteri AUc2301 was selected from 84 screened strains that can stimulate RAW264.7 cell proliferation. Limosilactobacillus reuteri AUc2301 significantly enhanced the phagocytosis activity of RAW264.7 cells. In the ELISA test, Limosilactobacillus reuteri AUc2301 significantly promoted the release of interleukin-6, IL-1β, the tumor necrosis factor, and nitric oxide in RAW264.7 macrophages. In addition, Limosilactobacillus reuteri AUc2301 significantly inhibited the excessive release of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, prostaglandin E2 as well as NO and the high expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in RAW264.7 macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide. In further mechanism studies, Limosilactobacillus reuteri AUc2301 could regulate the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway in RAW264.7 macrophages. Collectively, the screened Limosilactobacillus reuteri AUc2301 showed good immunomodulatory activity in vitro, and it has the potential to be developed as a novel probiotic.