Cross-Talk between Probiotic Bacteria and the Host Immune System

Among the numerous purported health benefits attributed to probiotic bacteria, their capacity to interact with the immune system of the host is now supported by an increasing number of in vitro and in vivo experiments. In addition to these, a few well-controlled human intervention trials aimed at pr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Journal of nutrition Vol. 137; no. 3S; pp. 781S - 790S
Main Authors Corthésy, Blaise, Gaskins, H. Rex, Mercenier, Annick
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States The American Society for Nutrition 01.03.2007
Subjects
Animals
bacteria
Bacteria - immunology
bacterial antigens
genetic engineering
homeostasis
host-microbe interaction
Humans
immune cross talk
immune response
immune system
Immune System - immunology
Immune System - microbiology
immunocompetence
immunoglobulin A
Immunoglobulin A - immunology
immunomodulators
intestinal microorganisms
Intestines - immunology
Intestines - microbiology
literature reviews
Probiotics
recombinant DNA
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Summary:Among the numerous purported health benefits attributed to probiotic bacteria, their capacity to interact with the immune system of the host is now supported by an increasing number of in vitro and in vivo experiments. In addition to these, a few well-controlled human intervention trials aimed at preventing chronic immune dysregulation have been reported. Even though the precise molecular mechanisms governing the cross-talk between these beneficial bacteria and the intestinal ecosystem remain to be discovered, a new and fascinating phase of research has been initiated in this area as demonstrated by a series of recent articles. This article summarizes the status and latest progress of the field in selected areas and aims at identifying key questions that remain to be addressed, especially concerning the translocation of ingested bacteria, the identification of major immunomodulatory compounds of probiotics, and specific aspects of the host-microbe cross-talk. The interaction with immunocompetent cells and the role of secretory IgA in gut homeostasis are also evoked. Finally, a brief overview is provided on the potential use of recombinant DNA technology to enhance the health benefits of probiotic strains and to unravel specific mechanisms of the host-microbe interaction.
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ISSN:0022-3166
1541-6100
DOI:10.1093/jn/137.3.781s