Probiotics are widely known for protecting the body against infections, and researchers at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have succeeded in identifying novel drug candidates based on molecules isolated from probiotic yogurt that reduce inflammation and restore the balance of the immune system, they announced Thursday.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
Professor Raz Jelinek, the Vice President and Dean for Research and Development at BGU, and Orit Malka, a PhD student, isolated molecules secreted by a predominant yeast in kefir, a type of fermented dairy probiotic drink, and showed that the molecules have significant potential to combat pathogenic bacteria.
The researchers demonstrated that the kefir-secreted molecules significantly reduced the virulence of Vibrio cholerae – the causative agent of cholera. The anti-bacterial effect was based on disrupting communication among the bacterial cells, a promising strategy against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
In a follow-up study, the scientists observed that the isolated molecules had dramatic anti-inflammatory properties in various pathological conditions and disease models, such as cytokine storm, a leading cause of death in COVID-19 patients. The molecules not only eliminated the condition, but also restored balance to the immune system.
"Our research illuminates for the first time a mechanism by which milk fermented probiotics can protect against pathogenic infections and aid the immune system," Jelinek said.
"In a reality where antibiotic-resistant bacteria are becoming an imminent threat, the novel molecules discovered by BGU scientists pave a completely new path for fighting bacterial infections," Josh Peleg, CEO of BGN Technologies, the technology transfer company of BGU, said.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
