In conclusion, our results show for the first time that Bifidobacterium bifidum strain BB1 has the unique bacterial characteristic of inducing a rapid and sustained enhancement in intestinal TJ barrier function in a TLR-2 and p38 kinase-dependent manner and protects against the DSS-induced colitis by preserving the intestinal TJ barrier in a TLR-2-dependent manner. Here, TLR2 is linked to colitis.