Open AccessLactobacillus plantarum WCFS 1 and its host interaction: a dozen years after the genome
Author(s) -
Nieuwboer Maurits,
Hemert Saskia,
Claassen Eric,
Vos Willem M.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
microbial biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.287
H-Index - 74
ISSN - 1751-7915
DOI - 10.1111/1751-7915.12368
Subject(s) - lactobacillus plantarum , biology , genome , functional genomics , strain (injury) , host (biology) , genomics , computational biology , human gastrointestinal tract , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , bacteria , gene , lactic acid , anatomy
Summary Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS 1 is one of the best studied Lactobacilli, notably as its genome was unravelled over 12 years ago. L. plantarum WCFS 1 can be grown to high densities, is amenable to genetic transformation and highly robust with a relatively high survival rate during the gastrointestinal passage. In this review, we present and discuss the main insights provided by the functional genomics research on L. plantarum WCFS 1 with specific attention for the molecular mechanisms related to its interaction with the human host and its potential to modify the immune system, and induce other health‐related benefits. Whereas most insight has been gained in mouse and other model studies, only five human studies have been reported with L. plantarum WCFS 1. Hence NCIMB 8826 (the parental strain of L. plantarum WCFS 1) in human trials as to capitalize on the wealth of knowledge that is summarized here.