Short communication: Complete genome sequence of Lactobacillus plantarum J26, a probiotic strain with immunomodulatory activity.

Lactobacillus plantarum J26, a significant probiotic isolated from Chinese traditional fermented dairy products, exerts a positive immunomodulatory effect by regulating the expression of immune-related genes. We investigated expression of the cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α in the intestinal tract of mice stimulated by L. plantarum J26. In vivo, these cytokines were upregulated, peaked on d 5, and then decreased to the control level, indicating that L. plantarum J26 could induce expression of the genes encoding these proinflammatory cytokines. Teichoic acids produced by L. plantarum are recognized as key immunomodulatory molecules involved in the regulation of the host immune response. To better understand the genetic basis of this immunomodulatory mechanism, we sequenced and analyzed the whole genome of L. plantarum J26. The genome of L. plantarum J26 contains a circular chromosome and 4 circular plasmids. Lactobacillus plantarum J26 was predicted to synthesize ribitol-type backbones of wall teichoic acid. Furthermore, orthologous average nucleotide identity (OrthoANI) values showed that the genome was highly similar (>98.00%) to other L. plantarum strains, especially to L. plantarum ST-III and JDM1. The genomic data of L. plantarum J26 provide a genetic basis to further elucidate its mechanism of immunoregulation and will facilitate its application in the functional dairy food industry.