The Industrial Technology Innovation Centre of Ibaraki Prefecture and Teijin Meguro Institute, a Teijin Group company, have announced results from their joint research into the human immunity enhancement and virus protection potential of Bacillus subtilis BN known as “natto-kin” in Japanese.
In vitro experiments by the two organisations showed that, when added to both normal immune cells (M1-phenotype macrophages) and immune cells model mimicking viral infection, Bacillus subtilis BN appeared to trigger significant secretion of proteins (cytokines) involved in immune enhancement. This finding suggests that Bacillus subtilis BN strengthens the immune function in the human body and may contribute to suppression of viral infections.
Natto is a popular traditional Japanese food made from whole soybeans that have been fermented with Bacillus subtilis natto. Ibaraki Prefecture is home to major producers of natto. Teijin Meguro Institute manufactures Bacillus subtilis BN and other probiotics.
The two organisations will continue to study the effects of Bacillus subtilis BN regarding its potential for the prevention and reduction of viral infections. The Industrial Technology Innovation Centre of Ibaraki Prefecture supports business creation and pioneering research in a wide range of industries.
It has engaged in many projects related to foods such as natto, a major product in Ibaraki Prefecture. Teijin Meguro Institute uses advanced technology for culturing Bacillus subtilis natto and lactic acid bacteria used for pharmaceuticals, health food raw materials and feed additives.
Significance of this joint research and future possibilities
The spread of infectious diseases triggered by various viruses such as influenza and COVID-19 poses serious social problems. M1-phenotype macrophages, the immune cells used in this study, work to protect the human body from infectious diseases by exhibiting inflammatory and immune responses.
As previously reported, Bacillus subtilis BN enhances the immune function of mouse derived macrophages, as shown through in vitro tests. The current study builds on that work, finding that Bacillus subtilis BN enhances the immune function of human M1-Ibaraki Prefectural Government phenotype macrophages in normal immune cells and immune cells model mimicking viral infection.
The results suggest that Bacillus subtilis BN may enhance immune function in the human body and suppress viral infection.
The results of this research were presented at the 2023 Annual Meeting of the Kanto Branch of Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry, which was held on August 25, 2023, at Meiji University’s Ikuta Campus.
The Industrial Technology Innovation Centre of Ibaraki Prefecture and Teijin Meguro Institute will use their research to promote the efficacy of natto and encourage companies in Ibaraki Prefecture that manufacture supplements and processed foods to use Bacillus subtilis natto to develop new products.
Overview of the results from this joint research
