Objective To investigate the protective effects of combinations of probiotic (Bifico) on interleukin-10 gene-deficient (IL-10 KO) mice, and Caco-2 cell monolayers.Methods IL-10 KO mice were used to assess the benefits of Bificoin vivo.IL-10 KO and control mice received approximately 1.5 × l08 colony forming units (CFU) per day of Bifico for four weeks.Colons were then removed and analyzed for epithelial barrier function by Ussing Chamber, while an ELISA was used to evaluate pro-inflammatory cytokines.The colon epithelial cell line, Caco-2, was used to test the benefit of Bificoin vitro.Escherichia coli (EIEC) and the probiotic mixture Bifico, or single probiotic strains, were applied to cultured Caco-2 monolayers.