Lactic acid bacteria and their effect on the immune system

Area of Science:

• Immunology and Microbiology: Focuses on the interaction between lactic acid bacteria and the host immune system.

Background:

• Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are common intestinal microbes with documented benefits for animal and human health.
• These bacteria are frequently incorporated into foods and used as probiotics to enhance biological functions.
• LAB play a crucial role in modulating both systemic and secretory immune responses through complex interactions within the gut ecosystem.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the fundamental knowledge of LAB immunostimulation.
• To discuss criteria for selecting LAB strains with immunostimulatory properties for use as probiotics or oral vaccine vectors.
• To highlight the importance of understanding LAB's role in the mucosal immune system for therapeutic applications.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes existing research on lactic acid bacteria and their effects on the immune system.
• It analyzes the mechanisms by which LAB interact with intestinal cells and immune components.
• The review appraises the criteria for selecting immunostimulatory LAB strains.

Main Results:

• LAB activate immune cells through various signaling mechanisms within the intestinal environment.
• Knowledge of gut microflora, LAB contributions, and mucosal immunity is essential for selecting effective probiotic strains.
• LAB show potential as oral vaccine vectors for protection against diseases like microbial infections and cancer.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive understanding of LAB immunostimulation and selection criteria is vital for developing effective probiotic and therapeutic strategies.
• Further research is needed on optimizing oral vaccine vectors and therapeutic uses of LAB.
• Selecting LAB based on their immunostimulatory capacity requires considering their effects on the mucosal immune system and intended applications.