Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins最新文献

{"title":"Nutritional Innovations in Functional Foods: Exploring Postbiotics for Gut and Vascular Health Enhancement.","authors":"Negin Hosseinzadeh, Marjan Bazdar, Neda Hashemi, Mansour Rabie Ashkezary, Ali Mehrabi, Nasim Kazemi, Vahideh Sarabi-Aghdam, Amin Abbasi, Sanaz Kazemi","doi":"10.1007/s12602-026-11220-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-026-11220-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The exploration of microbiome-targeted interventions in functional foods has accelerated, with postbiotics emerging as a compelling alternative to probiotics. Defined as non-viable microbial cells or their metabolic products, postbiotics demonstrate diverse bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. These attributes enable modulation of the gut-vascular axis, a critical interface influencing systemic inflammation and cardiovascular risk. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bioactive peptides, and microbial enzymes are among the most studied postbiotics with profound effects on gut integrity and vascular function. Mineral-enriched postbiotics, particularly those supplemented with zinc and selenium, offer further promise in managing metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disorders. This review critically evaluates the molecular mechanisms through which postbiotics modulate the gut-vascular axis. We discuss the pathways associated with the improvement or eradication of gut-vascular axis-related diseases, focusing on their impact on intestinal integrity, immune regulation, and vascular function. Furthermore, we highlight the potential of postbiotics as functional food ingredients and therapeutic agents for chronic disease management, particularly in metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":20506,"journal":{"name":"Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2026-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149224832","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strains LP5 and BX62 Alleviate Liver Injury of NAFLD in Rats via Regulating Hepatic Cholesterol Metabolism and Antioxidant Signaling Pathways.","authors":"Mengya Jia, Xusheng Guo, Jie Zhu, Hu Chen, Mengyan Chen, Qiang Li, Chaorui Wang, Zitong Ding","doi":"10.1007/s12602-026-11255-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-026-11255-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Disorders of lipid metabolism and oxidative stress are pivotal factors in the advancement of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aims to investigate the liver-protective effects of two Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) strains, LP5 and BX62, either individually or in combined, on NAFLD in rats induced by high fat and cholesterol diet. Strain L. plantarum LP5 showed potential for modulating cholesterol metabolism, whereas L. plantarum BX62 exhibited enhanced antioxidant properties. All three intervention strategies alleviated liver injury, as evidenced by reduced hepatic lipid accumulation, intestinal permeability, inflammation, and liver injury markers. Notably, L. plantarum LP5 showed greater effects on reducing weight gain and hepatic steatosis, while L. plantarum BX62 provided additional protection against hepatic oxidative damage. Metabolic and molecular analyses suggested that the beneficial effects of L. plantarum LP5 were associated with altered bile acid homeostasis and increased expression of hepatic primary bile acid synthesis-related proteins (CYP7A1 and CYP8B1), whereas L. plantarum BX62 was associated with activation of the Nrf2-HO-1 antioxidant pathway (Nrf2, HO-1, and FTH). Furthermore, all intervention strategies activated AMPK signaling (p-AMPK/AMPK), accompanied by decreased expression of lipogenesis-related proteins (SREBP-1c, FASN, and SCD1) and increased expression of fatty acid oxidation-related proteins (PPARα and CPT1a), contributing to improved hepatic lipid metabolism. Collectively, our findings indicate that L. plantarum LP5 and L. plantarum BX62 alleviate HFHC diet-induced hepatic metabolic disturbances by complementary mechanisms involving cholesterol metabolism and antioxidant responses, highlighting their potential as dietary probiotics for supporting liver health and preventing NAFLD progression.</p>","PeriodicalId":20506,"journal":{"name":"Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2026-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149224811","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Current Trends and Advances in Probiotic and Biological Systems for Postharvest Disease Management in Fresh Produce: A Review.","authors":"M J Gidado, Ahmad Anas Nagoor Gunny, Monisha Devi, Asgar Ali","doi":"10.1007/s12602-026-11096-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-026-11096-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Postharvest diseases remain among the most critical factors limiting the shelf life, quality, and marketability of fresh produce worldwide, contributing substantially to economic losses and food insecurity. Although conventional preservation strategies such as synthetic fungicides and low-temperature storage have been effective, their long-term use is increasingly constrained by pathogen resistance, chemical residue concerns, environmental impacts, and stricter regulatory controls. In recent years, probiotic microorganisms and biological control agents (BCAs), particularly when incorporated into edible coating systems, have emerged as promising and bio-based approaches for postharvest disease management. These bio-based systems provide multifunctional benefits by integrating direct antimicrobial activity with competitive exclusion of pathogens, induction of host defense responses, and modulation of fruit physiological processes, while simultaneously forming protective barriers that regulate gas exchange and moisture loss. This review critically synthesizes recent advances in probiotics and biological control strategies for postharvest disease management, emphasizing their roles in mitigating both microbial decay and physiological quality deterioration during storage. The review moves beyond proof-of-concept studies to evaluate challenges related to strain selection, formulation compatibility, delivery strategies, and regulatory constraints under commercial conditions. By consolidating recent progress in microbial agents, coating materials, and translational considerations, this review provides a forward-looking framework for developing sustainable, low residue alternatives to chemical fungicides in postharvest management.</p>","PeriodicalId":20506,"journal":{"name":"Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2026-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149216719","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advances in Edible Probiotic Encapsulation and Oral Delivery Technologies for Prevention and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.","authors":"Zhizhe Zhang, Wen Zhang, Wenjing Liang, Yuying Tang, Shuaishuai Gao, Wenhao Zhang, Yue Li, Jiali Liu, Xuemei Han, Wu Liang, Lina Dong, Zijian Wu","doi":"10.1007/s12602-026-11258-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-026-11258-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a complex inflammatory condition in which traditional treatments fail to address the underlying microbial imbalances and often induce systemic toxicity. Probiotic therapy holds significant promise for restoring intestinal homeostasis; however, the successful oral delivery of viable bacteria to the colon remains a major challenge owing to the destructive gastric environment. Encapsulated probiotics can effectively alleviate this problem. However, we still urgently need research on encapsulated probiotics for the treatment of IBD from the perspectives of mechanism of action, encapsulation materials and delivery systems. This review offers a systematic overview of the current state-of-the-art in edible probiotic encapsulation technologies. We first elucidate the intricate mechanisms by which probiotics and their metabolites (postbiotics) exert therapeutic effects, including competitive exclusion of pathogens, reinforcement of the mucus layer, and metabolic regulation. Subsequently, we present an analysis of advanced delivery systems, categorizing them into natural polymer materials, lipid composite materials, and nanozyme-probiotic composites. We detail the preparation processes, structure-function relationships, and in vivo performance of these systems, with particular emphasis on the encapsulation materials and delivery systems and discuss several novel delivery technologies. Finally, we confront the current challenges in industrial scalability, storage stability, and regulatory standardization. By integrating material science with microbiology, this review provides a broad overview of probiotic-based strategies and emerging oral delivery systems for IBD, bridging the gap between laboratory innovation and practical application, paving the way for next-generation IBD therapeutics.</p>","PeriodicalId":20506,"journal":{"name":"Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2026-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149216733","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From Spore Biology to System Performance: Strain-Resolved Mechanisms, Biosafety and Translational Readiness of Bacillus Probiotics in Aquaculture.","authors":"Samuel Ayeh Osei, John Ojomugbokenyomide Ed-Idoko, Gabriel Arome Ataguba, Christian Larbi Ayisi, Sahr Lamin Sumana, Ginette Therese Atoukoh Dingong","doi":"10.1007/s12602-026-11250-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-026-11250-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Bacillus-based probiotics are widely promoted as antibiotic-sparing interventions in aquaculture, yet translation from controlled trials to commercial production remains constrained by strain heterogeneity, inconsistent dosing, incomplete biosafety assessment and frequent inference of mechanisms from non-specific biomarkers. This scoping review reorganizes the evidence reported for 67 empirical studies published during 2015-2025 into a strain-host-route-system framework. Across finfish and aquatic invertebrates, Bacillus supplementation was commonly associated with improved growth, feed utilization, digestive-enzyme activity, mucosal or systemic innate immune indices, challenge survival and, in water-applied or biofloc settings, nitrogenous-waste control. The evidence nevertheless does not support a universal optimal dose: reported regimens span colony-forming units per gram or kilogram of feed, colony-forming units per millilitre of culture water and mass-based commercial formulations, and efficacy varies with strain identity, host developmental stage, delivery route, diet, salinity, temperature and challenge design. Mechanistic support is strongest for pathogen antagonism, enzyme provision, barrier modulation and environmental bioremediation, whereas claims concerning stable colonization, antiviral action and antimicrobial-resistance mitigation are often indirect. Bacillus should therefore be evaluated at strain rather than genus level, with whole-genome screening for virulence determinants, toxins, transferable resistance genes and mobile elements. We propose a translational-readiness framework integrating identity, potency, formulation stability, host compatibility, environmental persistence, biosafety and farm-scale validation. This reframing positions Bacillus probiotics as promising but conditional tools for antibiotic stewardship and One Health-aligned aquaculture.</p>","PeriodicalId":20506,"journal":{"name":"Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2026-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149216665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gut Microbiota-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer: Friends or Foes?","authors":"Heba Mohammed Refat M Selim, Dalaal M Abdallah, Amira A El-Gazar, Hagar B Abo-Zalam, Ghada M Ragab, Rabab A El-Gazar, Marwa Ali-Tammam, Hanan S El-Abhar","doi":"10.1007/s12602-026-11227-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-026-11227-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The gut microbiota has emerged as a key regulator of cancer biology through its dynamic interaction with host immunity, metabolism, and cellular signaling. Recent evidence highlights that gut microbiota-derived extracellular vesicles (GMEVs), nanosized bi-layered particles secreted by gut bacteria, play a pivotal role in mediating microbiota-host communications. Unlike whole bacteria, GMEVs can cross epithelial and vascular barriers, circulate systemically, and deliver bioactive cargo including proteins, nucleic acid, and metabolites to distant organs exerting profound effects on tumor development and therapy. This review provides an up-to-date overview of the dual role of GMEVs in cancer. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar without time restrictions using standardized keywords related to gut microbiota, extracellular vesicles, and cancer. Studies were included based on relevance to GMEVs biogenesis, mechanisms of host interaction, and functional roles in cancer hallmarks. Within the Yin-Yang conceptual framework, GMEVs associated with pathogenic or dysbiotic microbial states may promote tumorigenesis as demonstrated by vesicles derived from Fusobacterium nucleatum, Escherichia coli, Bacteroides fragilis, and Enterococcus faecalis foster tumorigenesis by inducing inflammation, sustaining proliferative signaling, promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, reprogramming cellular metabolism, and enabling immune evasion. Conversely, GMEVs derived from beneficial or commensal bacteria may exhibit therapeutic potential, particularly those from Akkermansia muciniphila, Lactobacillus plantarum, and attenuated Escherichia coli, which have demonstrated therapeutic effects by restoring intestinal homeostasis, suppressing tumor-associated inflammation, enhancing antitumor efficacy, and serving as natural delivery systems for targeted therapy and cancer vaccines. Understanding the complex Yin-Yang paradigm of GMEVs offers exciting opportunities in oncology. Future research should focus on mechanistic validation, biosafety profiling, and clinical translation of GMEV based-therapeutics.</p>","PeriodicalId":20506,"journal":{"name":"Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149196035","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Viability-Dependent and Structural Modulation of IL-10 Secretion in THP-1 Cells by Lactobacillus gasseri and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus.","authors":"Meisam Akrami, Maryam Akrami, Parisa Haeri, Amirhossein Amini, Erfan Haghdoost, Taraneh NikJamal","doi":"10.1007/s12602-026-11257-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-026-11257-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Emerging evidence indicates that probiotic-mediated immunomodulation is not exclusively dependent on microbial viability, but is also significantly driven by structural components and postbiotic factors. This study systematically evaluated the viability-dependent versus structure-dependent regulation of Interleukin-10 (IL-10) in THP-1 monocytes by comparing alive, partially inactivated, and fully killed states of Lactobacillus gasseri and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus. Distinct bacterial preparations were generated via heat, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, sonication, and chemical inactivation. We assessed IL-10 protein secretion (ELISA), transcriptional kinetics (RT-qPCR), and single-cell cytokine expression (flow cytometry), while ensuring cellular compatibility through MTT viability assays. The results demonstrate that both viable and non-viable preparations significantly induce IL-10 secretion. However, live preparations elicited a more robust and rapid transcriptional response, with peak IL-10 mRNA expression occurring at 16-20 h post-stimulation. Notably, mixed-strain conditions exhibited a pronounced combinatorial enhancement of IL-10 production at both the protein and single-cell levels. While structural microbial components are sufficient to trigger anti-inflammatory IL-10 responses, active microbial viability markedly amplifies the magnitude and kinetics of this regulation. These findings provide a mechanistic foundation for the rational design of precision paraprobiotic and probiotic formulations in immune-mediated therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":20506,"journal":{"name":"Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149196066","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dietary Pichia Guilliermondii Improves Intestinal Digestive Capacity and Barrier Integrity in Weaned Piglets Associated with Gut Microbiota-Related Glutathione Metabolism.","authors":"Honglin Yan, Lunjie Feng, Junhao Xiang, Hongyu Yi, Zhaoxi Xie, Areeba Amir, Yong Zhang, Pan Zhou, Jinbiao Zhao, Tiande Zou, Hui Diao","doi":"10.1007/s12602-026-11253-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-026-11253-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Yeast-derived feed additives are increasingly used to support intestinal health after weaning, but dose-response evidence and mechanistic information for inactivated Pichia guilliermondii product (PG) in pigs remain limited. A total of 360 piglets (initial body weight, 6.30 ± 0.06 kg) received diets containing 0, 800, 1600, 2400, or 3200 mg/kg inactivated PG product for 28 days. Under the present experimental conditions, the 800 mg/kg PG group showed the greatest weight gain, final body weight, and nutrient digestibility of dry matter and crude protein among the tested dietary levels (P < 0.05). Accordingly, the control and 800 mg/kg PG (PGO) groups were selected for downstream phenotyping. Compared with controls, PGO group had increased intestinal villus height, digestive enzyme activities, nutrient transporter expression, goblet cell numbers, and tight-junction protein abundance, and reduced serum diamine oxidase activity (P < 0.05). The PGO group also showed higher systemic and intestinal antioxidant-related indices, accompanied by increased expression of SOD1, GPX4, and NRF2 (P < 0.05). Microbiota analysis showed enrichment of potentially beneficial taxa, including Blautia, Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, and Prevotella_9. Colonic metabolomics further revealed higher levels of glycine, serine, and L-cysteine, together with increased intestinal activities and gene/protein expression of glutathione-related enzymes/factors, including GCLM, GCLC, and GSS (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that, under the present experimental conditions, 800 mg/kg inactivated PG product was the best-performing tested dose for supporting growth, nutrient utilization, antioxidant-related indices, and intestinal barrier-related indices in weaned piglets, and these responses were associated with changes in gut microbiota-related glutathione metabolism.</p>","PeriodicalId":20506,"journal":{"name":"Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2026-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149183111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cysteine-Rich Peptides in Food Systems: Structure, Sources, Functional Properties, Potential Applications, and Future Perspectives.","authors":"Mao-Cheng Sun, Thanh-Do Le, Changhui Zhao, Itthanan Suttikhana, Tolulope Joshua Ashaolu","doi":"10.1007/s12602-026-11244-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-026-11244-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cysteine-rich peptides (CRPs) are structurally diverse bioactive peptides in which cysteine residues form disulfide bonds or, in some lanthipeptides, cysteine-derived thioether bridges. These constraints can improve resistance to thermal, chemical, and enzymatic stress, although stability and activity remain peptide- and matrix-dependent. CRPs have attracted interest as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory agents in food preservation, functional foods, and active packaging. Nisin provides the clearest regulatory and commercial precedent: this lanthipeptide is used in selected food categories to control susceptible Gram-positive pathogens and spoilage organisms. Evidence for most plant defensins, cyclotides, and engineered CRPs, however, remains based on in vitro, preclinical, or food-model studies. This review examines CRP structures, sources, functional properties, potential food applications, and regulatory considerations. It also evaluates quantitative efficacy data, manufacturing and delivery constraints, allergenicity and toxicity, possible resistance, and the need for matrix-specific validation. CRPs should therefore be considered candidate components of validated preservation and delivery strategies rather than universal replacements for conventional additives.</p>","PeriodicalId":20506,"journal":{"name":"Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2026-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149184062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular Identification and In Vitro Probiotic-Associated Characterization of Indigenous Lactic Acid Bacteria from Raw Honey and the Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Gut in Punjab, Pakistan.","authors":"Ayat Fatima Malik, Muhammad Nawaz, Aamir Ghafoor, Muhammad Sohaib","doi":"10.1007/s12602-026-11252-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-026-11252-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The honey bee (Apis mellifera) and raw honey constitute ecologically distinct, acidic and osmotically stressful niches that harbour autochthonous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with promising probiotic-associated properties. This study isolated and molecularly characterized Lactobacillus-related isolates from raw honey and honey bee gut samples collected from Chichawatni Reserved Forest, Punjab, Pakistan, and further identified selected strains by 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. From 30 samples (10 raw honey samples and 20 honey bee gut pools, each collected from an independent Apis mellifera colony), 18 presumptive Lactobacillus isolates were recovered on de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) agar and confirmed at the genus level by Lactobacillus-specific 16 S rRNA-23 S rRNA intergene amplification. In vitro probiotic-associated properties were evaluated, including tolerance to simulated gastric juice, bile salt tolerance, auto-aggregation, co-aggregation with four reference enteric pathogens, antimicrobial activity of cell-free supernatants (CFS), and antibiotic susceptibility. Honey-derived isolates showed higher values for acid tolerance and auto-aggregation parameters in the evaluated assays than gut derived isolates. Isolate H1 showed the highest survival at pH 2, the highest auto-aggregation, and produced the largest inhibition zones against Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovars Typhimurium and Enteritidis, and Campylobacter jejuni. Neutralization of the CFS to pH 7 abolished the antimicrobial activity, and heat treatment reduced it only partially, a pattern suggesting that organic acids may contribute substantially to the observed antimicrobial activity. All isolates were intrinsically non-susceptible to vancomycin and polymyxin B, which is consistent with the intrinsic resistance profile of the genus. Three isolates showing complementary in vitro probiotic-associated phenotypes (H1, B4 and B13) were tentatively identified by partial 16 S rRNA gene sequencing as best matches to Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and the sequences were deposited in NCBI GenBank under accession numbers PZ694971 (H1), PZ676443 (B4) and PZ676444 (B13). These isolates are proposed as candidates for further probiotic evaluation, pending multi-locus or whole-genome confirmation of species identity, formal safety testing (haemolytic activity, gelatinase production, biogenic amine synthesis and DNase activity), targeted characterization of the antimicrobial metabolites and in vivo evaluation. These findings identify Chichawatni honey and honey bee gut as an underexplored source of indigenous LAB and highlight H1, B4 and B13 as potential candidates for further probiotic evaluation, pending safety assessment, whole-genome characterization, adhesion assays and in vivo validation.</p>","PeriodicalId":20506,"journal":{"name":"Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2026-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149183545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}