Introduction: Probiotics, including lactobacilli, have immunomodulatory activities with promising effects on inflammatory diseases. In this study, we evaluate the effect of Enterococcus durans (Edu) and three various strains of lactobacilli (Lacto-mix), including L. rhamnosus, L. casei, and L. plantarum, to prevent Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) features
Methods: C57BL/6 female mice were inoculated with Myelin Oigodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG35-55) in CFA (complete Freund’s adjuvant) to induce EAE. Five groups (n=6 in each group) of animals received saline or probiotics by oral gavage with 200 µL of lactobacilli (1.5×108 CFU/mL) for 2 weeks before the immunization and during the test for one month.
Results: Histopathological studies showed an increase in infiltration of inflammatory cells and destruction of the myelin membrane in the EAE group but a decrease in inflammatory cells in the probiotic-treated animals. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (Interleukin [IL]-17 and Interferon [IFN]-γ) concentration in the supernatant of the brain and spinal cord tissues showed a significant increase in the EAE compared with the normal saline group (P<0.01). While in the spinal cord tissue, there was a decrease in IL-17 in those animals treated with the Lacto-mix and Edu + Lacto-mix (P<0.01) and a significant decrease in IFN-γ in those animals that received Edu (P<0.05). Western blot analysis of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and myelin basic protein showed a decrease and increase in treatment and EAE groups, respectively, compared to the normal control group. 
Conclusion: Our data suggest that probiotic Enterococcus durans and Lacto-mix prevents EAE, but further studies are needed to clarify the exact mechanisms and their application in preclinical and clinical trials.