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Updated: May 17, 2026
05:10
Three-dimensional Quantification of Intestinal Mucus Using Whole-mount Tissue Imaging
Published on: September 12, 2025
Mucosal immunology and probiotics.
Maria Luisa Dongarrà1, Valeria Rizzello, Letizia Muccio
1Laboratory of Immunology and Biotherapy, Dept. of Human Pathology, University of Messina, A.O.U. Policlinico, Via Consolare Valeria 1, Messina, Italy. mdongarra@unime.it
Current Allergy and Asthma Reports
|October 12, 2012
Summary
Probiotics modulate the immune system by influencing dendritic cell (DC) activation, directing T cell responses crucial for mucosal health and disease treatment. This research explores probiotics
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The interaction between the gut microbiota and the mucosa-associated immune system is vital for maintaining mucosal homeostasis and preventing inflammatory diseases.
- Probiotics, live microorganisms conferring health benefits, are emerging as therapeutic agents for modulating immune responses at mucosal sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding probiotic effects on mucosal immunology, focusing on dendritic cell (DC) activation.
- To highlight the role of specific probiotic strains in polarizing T helper cell responses (Th1, Th2, Th17).
- To discuss the potential of probiotics in treating human immunopathologies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on probiotics and mucosal immunology.
- Analysis of studies investigating probiotic-induced dendritic cell (DC) activation.
- In-house data on modulating DC functions using commensal bacteria.
Main Results:
- Different probiotic strains differentially regulate dendritic cell (DC) activation.
- Probiotics can polarize T cell responses towards Th1, Th2, or Th17 profiles depending on the strain.
- Specific strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Lac23a induce Th17 responses.
Conclusions:
- Probiotics offer a promising therapeutic strategy for modulating mucosal immunity.
- Targeting dendritic cell (DC) function with probiotics can influence T cell-mediated immune responses.
- Further research into probiotics' immunomodulatory effects is warranted for treating mucosal immunopathologies.
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