Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
07:34
Induction of Intestinal Inflammation by Adoptive Transfer of CBir1 TCR Transgenic CD4+ T Cells to Immunodeficient Mice
Published on: December 16, 2021
Cross-talk between probiotic bacteria and the host immune system
Blaise Corthésy1, H Rex Gaskins, Annick Mercenier
1R&D Laboratory of the Division of Immunology and Allergy, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
The Journal of Nutrition
|February 22, 2007
Summary
Probiotic bacteria interact with the host immune system, offering potential benefits for immune dysregulation. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of this host-microbe cross-talk and optimize probiotic applications.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Probiotic bacteria are increasingly recognized for their ability to modulate the host immune system.
- While in vitro and in vivo studies support these effects, human trials are emerging for chronic immune conditions.
- The precise molecular mechanisms of host-microbe interactions in the gut remain largely undiscovered.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the current understanding of probiotic-immune system interactions.
- To highlight recent advancements and identify key research questions in the field.
- To explore the potential of recombinant DNA technology in enhancing probiotic functions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing in vitro and in vivo experimental data.
- Analysis of human intervention trials focused on immune health.
- Discussion of recent scientific literature and ongoing research trends.
Main Results:
- Growing evidence supports probiotic interactions with the host immune system.
- Key areas for future research include bacterial translocation, identification of immunomodulatory compounds, and host-microbe cross-talk mechanisms.
- The role of secretory IgA and immunocompetent cells in gut homeostasis is acknowledged.
Conclusions:
- The field of probiotic-immune system interaction is rapidly advancing.
- Understanding host-microbe communication is crucial for harnessing probiotic potential.
- Recombinant DNA technology offers promising avenues for improving probiotic efficacy and elucidating interaction mechanisms.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Probiotics
Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic microorganisms that confer health benefits by modulating the gut microbiota. The human gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex microbial ecosystem, and the balance of this microbiota is crucial for digestive and systemic health. Among the most extensively studied and utilized probiotics are species formerly classified within the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These organisms not only naturally colonize the human gut but are also consumed through...
01:21Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics
Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine by saving countless lives from bacterial infections. However, their widespread use has inadvertently harmed the delicate balance of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and maintaining intestinal health. Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types, disrupt this ecosystem by eradicating both harmful and beneficial...
01:18Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota
The human gut microbiome includes a diverse array of microbial species, including beneficial commensals and opportunistic pathogens, which interact to support host health. These microbes contribute to essential functions such as nutrient metabolism, immune system modulation, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. However, disruptions to this equilibrium—referred to as dysbiosis—can have widespread physiological consequences.Dysbiosis is often characterized by reduced microbial...
01:22Gut-Brain Axis
The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...
01:18Functions of the Gut Microbiota
The gut microbiota includes trillions of microorganisms that colonize the human gastrointestinal tract, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. This complex ecosystem plays a critical role in maintaining intestinal and systemic health. Most of these microbes inhabit the large intestine, establishing a relatively stable and diverse community that contributes to gut homeostasis through various metabolic, immunological, and protective mechanisms.Dominant bacterial phyla, such as...
01:27The Oral Microbiota
The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...