Lentilactobacillus hilgardii DSB22 isolated from bamboo shoots enhances mucosal immunity and modulates cytokine responses in LPS-challenged BALB/c mice

Disruption of intestinal barrier integrity contributes to systemic inflammation. This study evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of Lentilactobacillus hilgardii DSB22 isolated from fermented bamboo shoots in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged BALB/c murine model. Mice receiving oral administration of L. hilgardii DSB22 for 28 days showed significantly increased intestinal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels following LPS challenge. Treatment also reduced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and increased interleukin-10 (IL-10) concentrations in serum and spleen homogenates. Histopathological analysis of the distal ileum demonstrated preservation of villus architecture and improved villus height-to-crypt depth ratios in probiotic-treated mice. No significant cytokine changes were observed in non-challenged animals receiving the strain. These findings suggest that L. hilgardii DSB22 exerts immunomodulatory effects and may help protect intestinal barrier integrity during inflammatory conditions.