Microbe-mediated intestinal NOD2 stimulation improves linear growth of undernourished infant mice

The intestinal microbiota is known to influence postnatal growth. We previously found that a strain of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (strain LpWJL) buffers the adverse effects of chronic undernutrition on the growth of juvenile germ-free mice. Here, we report that LpWJLsustains the postnatal growth of malnourished conventional animals and supports both insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin production and activity. We have identified cell walls isolated from LpWJL, as well as muramyl dipeptide and mifamurtide, as sufficient cues to stimulate animal growth despite undernutrition. Further, we found that NOD2 is necessary in intestinal epithelial cells for LpWJL-mediated IGF-1 production and for postnatal growth promotion in malnourished conventional animals. These findings indicate that, coupled with renutrition, bacteria cell walls or purified NOD2 ligands have the potential to alleviate stunting.

Automated summary

The intestinal microbiota plays a role in postnatal growth, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain LpWJL has been found to support growth in undernourished animals. This strain stimulates insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin production and activity. Cell walls from LpWJL, as well as specific molecules, can promote growth despite undernutrition. NOD2 in intestinal epithelial cells is necessary for LpWJL-mediated IGF-1 production and growth promotion in malnourished animals.