as a novel next generation probiotic against influenza.

The gut-lung axis is critical during viral respiratory infections such as influenza. Gut dysbiosis during infection translates into a massive drop of microbially produced short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Among them, butyrate is important during influenza suggesting that microbiome-based therapeutics targeting butyrate might hold promises. The butyrate-producing bacterium (formerly referred to as ) is an emerging probiotic with several health-promoting characteristics. To investigate the potential effects of on influenza outcomes, mice were gavaged with live (A2-165 or I-4574 strains) five days before infection. Supplementation of was associated with less severe disease, a lower pulmonary viral load, and lower levels of lung inflammation. supplementation impacted on gut dysbiosis induced by infection, as assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Interestingly, administration was associated with a recovery in levels of SCFAs (including butyrate) in infected animals. The live form of more potent that the pasteurized form in improving influenza outcomes. Lastly, partially protected against secondary (systemic) bacterial infection. We conclude that might serve as a novel next generation probiotic against acute viral respiratory diseases.