Lactobacillus plantarum 59 and L. fermentum 137 have an anti-inflammatory effect against G. vaginalis and C. albicans, suggests a new study published in Microbiology. The study evaluated the immunomodulatory properties of two Lactobacillus strains (L. plantarum 59 and L. fermentum 137) for in response to Gardnerella vaginalis (BV) or Candida albicans (VVC) infections in a HeLa cell infection model. G. vaginalis and C. albicans triggered the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8) and the activation of NF-κB in HeLa cells, in contrast to L. plantarum 59 and L. fermentum 137. Treatment with the Lactobacillus strains or their cell-free supernatants before (pre-treatment) or after (post-treatment) the challenge with the pathogens led to a reduction in the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreased activation of NF-κB. The treatment with Lactobacillus strains decreased the secretion as well as the expression of IL-8. L. plantarum 59 and L. fermentum 137 were thus found to have an anti-inflammatory effect against G. vaginalis and C. albicans and were able to influence signalling in NF-κB pathway. They could thus serve as potential candidates as probiotics for the prevention or treatment of BV and VVC.