New Probiotic-Derived Peptide Fights H. pylori Stomach Infections | Research

The takeaway

Novel antimicrobial peptide FxCy2 from Lactobacillus paracasei shows clear inhibitory activity against H. pylori and synergistic effects with existing antibiotics.

MIC 1.25 mg/mL + synergy
FxCy2 inhibits H. pylori alone and enhances clinical antibiotic activity when combined

What the researchers found

FxCy2, a novel AMP from Lactobacillus paracasei FX-6, inhibited H. pylori (MIC = 1.25 mg/mL) and demonstrated synergistic antibacterial effects with clinical antibiotics.

Why it matters

H. pylori infects half the world's population and antibiotic resistance is rising. A probiotic-derived peptide that enhances existing antibiotics could improve treatment outcomes.

How the study worked

Isolation and purification of FxCy2 from Lactobacillus paracasei FX-6 fermentation supernatant, with MIC determination and synergy testing with clinical antibiotics against H. pylori.

What this study cannot tell us

In vitro study — in vivo efficacy in the acidic stomach environment not tested. MIC of 1.25 mg/mL is relatively high. Stability and delivery need optimization.

How to read the evidence

In vitro antimicrobial study — demonstrates proof of concept for a novel anti-H. pylori peptide but lacks in vivo data.

When this study was published

Published in 2026; addresses the growing H. pylori antibiotic resistance crisis.

The bigger picture

Probiotic-derived antimicrobials that work synergistically with existing drugs represent a practical near-term strategy to combat antibiotic resistance in common infections.

Questions still open

Does FxCy2 remain active in the acidic environment of the stomach?
Could FxCy2 be developed as an adjunct to standard H. pylori triple therapy?

Common questions

What is H. pylori?

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that infects the stomach lining, causing ulcers and increasing cancer risk. It affects about half the global population and is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics.

How can probiotics help fight stomach infections?

Probiotic bacteria naturally produce antimicrobial peptides that can kill pathogens. FxCy2 from Lactobacillus not only fights H. pylori directly but also makes existing antibiotics work better against it.

Read the original research

A novel antimicrobial peptide FxCy2 against Helicobacter pylori: Isolation and purification from Lactobacillus paracasei FX-6.

Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.), 225, 118069

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Bi, Bo; Kang, Meng; Lin, Qianru; Wang, Qun; Li, Xiaoqing; Ye, Zhuming; Ho, Chi-Tang; Cao, Yong. (2026). A novel antimicrobial peptide FxCy2 against Helicobacter pylori: Isolation and purification from Lactobacillus paracasei FX-6.. Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.), 225, 118069. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2025.118069