Abstract
The intestinal microbiota is the largest source of microbial stimulation that exerts both harmful and beneficial effects on human health. The interaction between probiotic and enterocytes is the initiating event in immunomodulation and merits particular attention. The effects of probiotic is strain dependent and for each new probiotic strain, profiles of cytokines secreted by lymphocytes, enterocytes or dendritic cells that come in contact with the strain should be systematically established. To evaluate the effects of probiotics on the immune system, models that mimic the mucosa, and thus the physiological reality, should be preferred whenever it is possible. Then, the in vitro observed effects should be backed up by properly conducted randomized double bind clinical studies. More detailed studies are needed to determine the precise action mode of probiotics on both mucosal and systemic immunity.
Highlights
The immune system of mammals includes a complex array of cells and molecules, which interact to provide protection from challenge by pathogenic microbes
Fluorescence associated with the presence of L. casei was observed in Peyer’s patches for about two to three days (Galdeano and Perdigon, 2004). These findings demonstrate that probiotics, or at least their bacterial products, can access the intestinal mucosal immune system, persist for a certain amount of time, and initiate a specific immune response
It was shown that L. rhamnosus HN001 and B. lactis HN109 significantly increased the cytotoxic potential of Natural Killer (NK) cells, and that this property decreased after cessation of probiotic consumption, it remained above baseline (Gill et al, 2001a; Sheih et al, 2001)
Summary
The immune system of mammals includes a complex array of cells and molecules, which interact to provide protection from challenge by pathogenic microbes (bacteria, viruses, parasites). The intestinal microbiota is the largest source of microbial stimulation that exerts both harmful and beneficial effects on human health. It acts as a primary agent as it participates in the development of the postnatal immune system as well as oral tolerance and immunity. It is possible that the microbiota acquired during and immediately after birth is necessary for the newborn’s systemic and mucosal immunity, and it may be responsible for controlling inflammatory. The in vitro tests showing the cytokine profile of probiotic strains are described (6) and clinical studies evaluating the effects of probiotics in the treatment of several chronic inflammatory diseases and allergies are reported (7)
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