Anti-Inflammatory Response of New Postbiotics in TNF-α/IFN-γ-Induced Atopic Dermatitis-like HaCaT Keratinocytes

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

1.        What specific components in the Smilax china L. extract contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties, and how do these components interact with the metabolites produced by lactic acid bacteria during fermentation?

2.        How does the fermentation process with lactic acid bacteria alter the biochemical composition of Smilax china L. extract, and what are the key metabolites involved in the enhanced anti-inflammatory effects?

3.        What are the dose-response relationships for MB-2006 in reducing inflammation markers (IL-4, TSLP, TARC) in both in vitro and in vivo models of atopic dermatitis?

4.        How does the stability and shelf-life of MB-2006 compared to non-fermented Smilax china L. extract and heat-killed probiotics, and what preservation methods can be employed to maintain its efficacy?

5.        What is the precise mechanism by which MB-2006 inhibits the NF-kB pathway in AD-like HaCaT keratinocyte cells, and how does this compare mechanistically to the effects of heat-killed probiotics (LAC and LRH)?

6.        What is the optimal dosage and administration frequency of MB-2006 for achieving the maximum therapeutic effect in the treatment of atopic dermatitis?

Comments on the Quality of English Language

1.        What specific components in the Smilax china L. extract contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties, and how do these components interact with the metabolites produced by lactic acid bacteria during fermentation?

2.        How does the fermentation process with lactic acid bacteria alter the biochemical composition of Smilax china L. extract, and what are the key metabolites involved in the enhanced anti-inflammatory effects?

3.        What are the dose-response relationships for MB-2006 in reducing inflammation markers (IL-4, TSLP, TARC) in both in vitro and in vivo models of atopic dermatitis?

4.        How does the stability and shelf-life of MB-2006 compared to non-fermented Smilax china L. extract and heat-killed probiotics, and what preservation methods can be employed to maintain its efficacy?

5.        What is the precise mechanism by which MB-2006 inhibits the NF-kB pathway in AD-like HaCaT keratinocyte cells, and how does this compare mechanistically to the effects of heat-killed probiotics (LAC and LRH)?

6.        What is the optimal dosage and administration frequency of MB-2006 for achieving the maximum therapeutic effect in the treatment of atopic dermatitis?

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

In this manuscript, Kim et al. tested the anti-inflammatory response of new postbiotics, MB-2006, in TNF-2 α/IFN-γ-induced atopic dermatitis-like HaCaT keratinocytes. Their results showed that MB-2006 was more effective in reducing inflammation markers and inhibiting NF-kB activation. The study is straightforward, and some of the results are interesting. The major weakness is lacking data on the molecular target of MB-2006. Other concerns are listed below:

The Introduction session is too long and needs to be shortened. Many parts of this session can be included in the Discussion.

2.5. Western-blotting: the sources of the antibodies need to be provided.

Figure 1: The concentrations in the manuscript text do not match that in the figure legend.

Figure 4: the authors must explain why the p65 bands at the first two lanes are too faint, making the p-p65/p65 ratio not convincing. The authors may also need to provide a fluorescence sating of p-p65 to ensure its nuclear localization.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

English is fine.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The authors have addressed my concerns.