ABSTRACT
Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) is a non-lactobacillus probiotic. It has long been recognized that EcN could colonize in the intestinal tract and has important biological functions through interacting with intestinal epithelial cells and other enteric microorganisms. Intestinal barriers play a key role in maintaining the homeostasis and physiological functions of the intestinal tract, and the impairment of the barrier function is closely associated with the pathogenesis and development of a variety of diseases. Discovery of some probiotic bacteria that could maintain and repair intestinal barrier function is therefore of critical importance, contributing to develop novel strategies for prevention and treatment of some related diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated that EcN has profoundly protective effects on the intestinal barriers. Here, we systematically reviewed the recent progress on the protective roles of EcN playing in the intestinal barriers and the potential mechanisms.