Lactobacillus priming of the respiratory tract: Heterologous immunity and protection against lethal pneumovirus infection

► Wild-type mice inoculated with Lactobacillus were fully protected against the lethal sequelae of subsequent PVM infection. ► Inflammation associated with Lactobacillus exposure is robust but transient. ► Lactobacillus clearance is rapid, but gDNA and PGN persist. ► Administration of Lactobacillus gDNA did not elicit inflammation or protect mice against PVM infection.