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Cross-talk between probiotic lactobacilli and host immune system
T S Kemgang1, S Kapila, V P Shanmugam
1Department of Animal Biochemistry, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India; Department of Food Science/Nutrition, National School of AgroIndustrial Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere, Adamaoua, Cameroon.
Journal of Applied Microbiology
|April 18, 2014
Summary
Probiotic lactobacilli interact with the host immune system in a strain-specific manner. This review details their communication with mucosal and systemic immunity, pathogen competition, and antigen delivery capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Probiotic lactobacilli are widely studied for their health benefits.
- The immune system is a complex, multi-component network.
- Understanding probiotic-host interactions is crucial for therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the strain-specific interactions between probiotic lactobacilli and the host immune system.
- To highlight the mechanisms of bacterial-host cross-talk at mucosal and systemic levels.
- To discuss the role of lactobacilli in pathogen competition and antigen delivery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on probiotic lactobacilli and immune modulation.
- Analysis of research focusing on mucosal and systemic immune responses.
- Examination of data on competitive exclusion of pathogens and use as delivery vehicles.
Main Results:
- Probiotic lactobacilli modulate the immune system through strain-dependent mechanisms.
- Specific lactobacilli strains engage in distinct cross-talk with mucosal and systemic immunity.
- Lactobacilli demonstrate efficacy in competing with pathogenic bacteria and serving as antigen carriers.
Conclusions:
- The immunomodulatory effects of probiotics are highly strain-specific.
- Lactobacilli offer diverse strategies for interacting with and influencing the host immune system.
- Further research into strain-specific mechanisms can optimize probiotic applications in health and disease.
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