Enhanced Longevity and Immunity in Caenorhabditis elegans through Ingestion of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SKO-001: A Multi-Omics Study

Lactic acid bacteria are widely used as probiotics owing to their health-promoting properties. This study aimed to evaluate Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SKO-001 (SKO-001) as a probiotic candidate using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. Our findings indicate that SKO-001 shows significantly stronger adhesive properties in C. elegans compared to Escherichia coli OP50, a standard dietary component used in laboratory settings for C. elegans, and the well-known probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG). SKO-001 led to a significant increase in the longevity of C. elegans compared to those fed OP50. Additionally, pre-conditioning with SKO-001 significantly enhanced resistance to foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that C. elegans fed with SKO-001 showed a significant increase in the expression of genes involved in the innate immune system, particularly those related to C-type lectins and lysozymes, compared to those fed with OP50. This suggests that feeding SKO-001 may boost immune responses against pathogens. Metabolomic analysis showed higher levels of lactic acid, L-valine, and L-isoleucine in C. elegans fed SKO-001 than in those fed OP50. Taken together, this research demonstrates the health-promoting potential of L. plantarum SKO-001 through multi-omics analysis, highlighting its capacity to extend lifespan and boost immune response in C. elegans.