Immune system modulation via probiotic activity

Immune system modulation via probiotic activity is a complex physiological process rather than a single molecular target. It involves the interaction of beneficial live microorganisms with the host's innate and adaptive immune systems, primarily within the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) [1]. These interactions are mediated by microbial-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) that bind to host receptors, promoting the maturation of dendritic cells and the differentiation of regulatory T cells to maintain immune homeostasis [2]. This process is clinically significant for treating inflammatory and allergic conditions, as it helps balance Th1/Th2 responses and suppresses excessive pro-inflammatory cytokine production [3]. While probiotics are generally recognized as safe, their immunomodulatory effects are highly strain-specific and depend on the host's existing microbiota and health status. Understanding these pathways is essential for the development of targeted microbial therapies for systemic inflammatory diseases [1][3]. Sources: [1] Yan, F., & Polk, D. B. (2011). Probiotics and immune health. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology. [2] Bermudez-Brito, M., et al. (2012). Probiotic Mechanisms of Action. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism. [3] Mazziotta, C., et al. (2023). Probiotics in the Modulation of the Immune Response. Cells.

Other names

Probiotic-mediated immunomodulationMicrobiota-immune axis regulationProbiotic immune signalingImmunobiotics

Probiotics modulate the immune system by interacting with Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs), specifically Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors (NLRs), on intestinal epithelial cells and resident immune cells like dendritic cells [1]. This interaction triggers signaling cascades that lead to the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-beta) [2]. Furthermore, probiotics produce metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which bind to G protein-coupled receptors (GPR41 and GPR43) to suppress pro-inflammatory NF-kappaB signaling and enhance the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier [3].