The Immunomodulatory Role of Probiotics

Abstract

Probiotics are particularly beneficial living microorganisms that help improve human health. Although probiotics have long been used as nutritional supplements in various cultures around the world, new research has investigated their antimicrobial and immune boosting effects in individuals. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are popular probiotics used worldwide that benefit human health by acting as antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agents, reducing pathogen binding to the host receptor and thus capturing pathogenic microorganisms. Probiotics have been shown to be beneficial in a variety of bacterial and viral diseases worldwide. The regulation of the host’s immune response is one of the most important mechanisms of probiotic action. Immunomodulatory effects of probiotic-derived compounds have been characterized using genomic and proteomic analysis. These compounds have the ability to regulate and initiate mucosal immunity against various diseases. Probiotics produce many bactericidal compounds, which inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and their toxins, promoting the sustainability and structural integrity of enterocytes. This chapter focused on recent scientific research findings that help us better understand how probiotics regulate the host immune response and how they can be used to prevent and treat disease and there beneficial role to improve the health status of individuals.

Probiotic Bacillus Strains Enhance T Cell Responses in Chicken

“…the epithelium, as well as the improvement of the gut epithelial barrier and its integrity [ 9 ]. Moreover, probiotics improve growth performance [ 10 ], nutrient digestibility [ 11 , 12 ], and modulate the immune system of the host [ 13 , 14 , 15 ] as the interaction between host cells and the bacteria or their structural components may lead to modulation of either local or systemic T lymphocyte- (T cell) and B lymphocyte (B cell)-mediated immune responses [ 16 ]. Among the most widely and commonly used in-feed probiotics are Bacillus spp., which are spore-forming bacteria with resistance to high temperatures and harsh storing conditions [ 17 ].…”

The Effect of Probiotic Supplementation on the Gut–Brain Axis in Psychiatric Patients

“…Probiotic strains that stimulate the innate immune system include Bifidobacterium infantis [46], B. infantis 14.518 in Albino BALB/C mice [47], B. longum, B. infantis, L. rhamnosus JB-1 [46], L. casei, B. longum bv. infantis CCUG [48], Bacillus subtilis [49], B. infantis [50], L. acidophilus La1 [15] and Lactobacillus casei shirota (LcS) [51].…”

“…lactis, L. casei, L. paracasei ssp. paracasei, and L. plantarum induce the production of natural killer cells [46]. In addition, L. plantarum caused murine splenic dendritic cells (DCs) to produce IL-12 [54].…”

“…Atopic dermatitis develops in infants who consume cow's milk. On the other hand, probiotic therapy has been scientifically demonstrated to reduce atopic dermatitis infection in humans [46]. Figure 4 illustrates the probiotic bacteria that have a role in the humoral immune system.…”

Efficacy Comparison of Oral and Intravaginal Lactobacillus plantarum Administration on Secreted Aspartyl Protease-5 (SAP5) Levels in Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

“…After probiotics enter the intestinal epithelium, dendritic cells and macrophages will migrate to the mesenteric lymph nodes to present antigens to T cells. Probiotic Lactobacillus are also reported to be able to regulate the role of T-reg cells through TLR2 so that they can reduce inflammatory reactions [37].…”