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Updated: May 2, 2026
09:01
An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
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Probiotics in respiratory virus infections
L Lehtoranta1, A Pitkäranta, R Korpela
1Institute of Biomedicine, Pharmacology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland, liisa.lehtoranta@helsinki.fi.
Summary
Probiotics may reduce respiratory infection symptoms, but their antiviral mechanisms require further study. More research is needed to confirm benefits across different populations and specific viruses.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Viral respiratory infections are common human illnesses with limited therapeutic options.
- Probiotics show potential in reducing respiratory infection risk and duration.
- Antiviral mechanisms of probiotics remain largely unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on probiotics' effects on respiratory virus infections.
- To explore potential antiviral mechanisms of probiotics.
- To identify research gaps and future directions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed and Scopus databases up to January 2014.
- Inclusion of studies on probiotics and respiratory viruses in cell, animal, and human models.
- Review of 33 clinical trials with varied designs and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Twenty-eight trials reported beneficial effects of probiotics on respiratory tract infections (RTIs).
- Five trials showed no clear benefit.
- Only eight studies investigated viral etiology, with one showing decreased viral load.
Conclusions:
- Probiotics may offer direct antiviral effects or immune system stimulation.
- Evidence suggests probiotics are beneficial for respiratory illnesses, but specific viral roles are under-researched.
- Further randomized controlled trials are necessary to elucidate mechanisms, optimal dosing, and strain efficacy.
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