Immunomodulatory Potentials of Probiotics: A Review

Abstract

In recent years, research has focused on natural mechanisms for the management, treatment, and curing of human infections and diseases. One of such natural methods is the application of probiotics, which are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host. The beneficial effects associated with probiotics were originally thought to be a result of improvements in the intestinal microbial balance, however, there are shred evidence that probiotics can also provide benefits by modulating the immune functions. The ability of these probiotics, majorly the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species to boost the immune system is proposed to be a result of their interactions with the cells of the immune system. They have been reported to stimulate various parts of the immune system, through several mechanisms enhancing their functions. It has also been established that the effects of probiotic bacteria may also result from soluble factors from these microbes that alter epithelial permeability or mediate activation, maturation or survival of dendritic cells, B and T-cells. Probiotic bacteria, their cell wall components, and other stimulating molecules have been shown to have significant effects on the functionality of the immune systems through the activation of multiple immune mechanisms. This study is aimed at describing the immunological mechanisms of probiotics and their beneficial effects on the host immune system.