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Cited by 754Probiotics and Fermented FoodsGut microbiota and healthAquaculture disease management and microbiota

Beneficial effects of probiotic consumption on the immune system

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Maldonado Galdeano, Carolina, Cazorla, Silvia Inés, Lemme Dumit, José María, Vélez, Eva, Perdigón, Gabriela·2019·Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism
DOI 10.1159/000496426
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: The gastrointestinal tract is one of the most microbiologically active ecosystems that plays a crucial role in the working of the mucosal immune system (MIS). In this ecosystem, the consumed probiotics stimulate the immune system and induce a network of signals mediated by the whole bacteria or their cell wall structure. This review is aimed at describing the immunological mechanisms of probiotics and their beneficial effects on the host. SUMMARY: Once administered, oral probiotic bacteria interact with the intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) or immune cells associated with the lamina propria, through Toll-like receptors, and induce the production of different cytokines or chemokines. Macrophage chemoattractant protein 1, produced by the IECs, sends signals to other immune cells leading to the activation of the MIS, characterized by an increase in immunoglobulin A+ cells of the intestine, bronchus and mammary glands, and the activation of T cells. Specifically, probiotics activate regulatory T cells that release IL-10. Interestingly, probiotics reinforce the intestinal barrier by an increase of the mucins, the tight junction proteins and the Goblet and Paneth cells. Another proposed mechanism of probiotics is the modulation of intestinal microbiota by maintaining the balance and suppressing the growth of potential pathogenic bacteria in the gut. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that long-term probiotics consumption does not affect the intestinal homeostasis. The viability of probiotics is crucial in the interaction with IECs and macrophages favoring, mainly, the innate immune response. Macrophages and Dendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in this immune response without inducing an inflammatory pattern, just a slight increase in the cellularity of the lamina propria. Besides, as part of the machinery that probiotics activate to protect against different pathogens, an increase in the microbicidal activity of peritoneal and spleen macrophages has been reported. In malnutrition models, such as undernourishment and obesity, probiotic was able to increase the intestinal and systemic immune response. Furthermore, probiotics contribute to recover the histology of both the intestine and the thymus damaged in these conditions. Probiotic bacteria are emerging as a safe and natural strategy for allergy prevention and treatment. Different mechanisms such as the generation of cytokines from activated pro-T-helper type 1, which favor the production of IgG instead of IgE, have been proposed. Key Messages: Probiotic bacteria, their cell walls or probiotic fermented milk have significant effects on the functionality of the mucosal and systemic immune systems through the activation of multiple immune mechanisms.

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  • Probiotics can strengthen the intestinal barrier, regulate mucosal immune function, and produce metabolites beneficial to the host to maintain health.

    “There is substantial evidence that probiotics can strengthen the intestinal barrier, regulate mucosal immune function, and produce metabolites beneficial to the host to maintain health, as illustrated in Figure 1 [22,23].”

    From Probiotics Regulate Gut Microbiota: An Effective Method to Improve Immunity (2021) · cites this paper as [23]

  • Probiotics can increase the number of macrophages and dendritic cells in lamina propria and enhance their function in the intestine for a period of time.

    “Probiotics can increase the number of macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) in lamina propria and enhance their function in the intestine for a period of time.”

    From Probiotics Regulate Gut Microbiota: An Effective Method to Improve Immunity (2021) · cites this paper as [23]

  • Probiotics could activate the immune system.

    “The results showed that probiotics could activate the immune system [23,37].”

    From Probiotics Regulate Gut Microbiota: An Effective Method to Improve Immunity (2021) · cites this paper as [23]

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Research works printed but not linked: 11

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Authors
Maldonado Galdeano, C., Cazorla, S. I., Lemme Dumit, J. M., Vélez, E., & Perdigón, G.
Affiliations
National University of Tucumán (AR)
ORCID
Venue
Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism
Publisher
S. Karger AG
Published
2019
Volume
74
Issue
2
Pages
115-124
ISSN
  • 0250-6807 (ISSN-L)
  • 1421-9697
DOI
10.1159/000496426
OpenAlex
W2913785843
Cited by
729
References
81
Citations by year
2026: 49 · 2025: 78 · 2024: 136 · 2023: 147 · 2022: 135 · 2021: 115 · 2020: 50 · 2019: 17 · 2018: 1 · 2013: 1
FWCI
7.14
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • CONICET Digital (CONICET) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-sa)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Food Science › Probiotics and Fermented Foods
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Gut microbiota and health
  • Life Sciences › Immunology and Microbiology › Immunology › Aquaculture disease management and microbiota
Keywords
probiotics, mucosal immunity, intestinal epithelial cells, Toll-like receptors, MCP-1, immunoglobulin A, regulatory T cells, IL-10, intestinal barrier, tight junction proteins, mucin, gut microbiota, innate immune response, macrophages, dendritic cells, macrophage microbicidal activity, malnutrition, obesity, allergy prevention
MeSH terms
Gastrointestinal Microbiome, Bacteria, Humans, Immune System, Intestinal Mucosa, Probiotics

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