A mini-review: valuable allies for human health: probiotic strains of Limosilactobacillus reuteri

Abstract

The World Health Organization defines probiotics as “live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host”. One of the most well studied probiotics is Limosilactobacillus reuteri, a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that colonizes the mucosal surfaces of mammals and birds and is considered autochthonous to the human microbiome. Genetic analyses have confirmed that this microorganism has co-evolved with its host, a prerequisite for the development of a mutualistic relation. On the one hand, L. reuteri contributes to the health of the host by releasing antimicrobial compounds, such as reuterin, and numerous active metabolites that can cross the epithelial barrier and reach different targets. Secondly, it can directly prevent the mucosal colonization by pathogenic bacteria helping in the prevention and restoration of dysbiosis due to the capability of forming biofilm. The characterization of numerous effector molecules produced by L. reuteri has provided a broad understanding of the mechanisms by which it not only displays antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities within the gastrointestinal tract but can also influence the correct balance of distal locations of the body. This mini-review carries out a brief overview relating to the most well-known properties of L. reuteri highlighting the main biological processes involved.