Immunomodulatory effects of probiotics

Abstract

Today, there is an explosion of discoveries related to a growing understanding of the role of microbial communities, key species of bacteria, products or metabolites derived from commensals, and in particular the relationship between some of these components and painful conditions in humans. Microbiota plays a fundamental role in the induction, training and functioning of the host’s immune system. In turn, the immune system has evolved significantly as a means of maintaining the host’s symbiotic relations with these very diverse and developing microbes. At optimal performance, this alliance of the immune system and microbiota allows to induce protective reactions to pathogens and maintain regulatory pathways involved in maintaining tolerance to harm-less antigens. In this review, we outline the role of the intestinal microbiota in the immune system, starting with initial information supporting further insights into the effects of intestinal microbiota dysbacteriosis on the host’s susceptibility to infection. Probiotics are considered a good form of therapy to control harmful intestinal microorganisms, improve digestion and the absorption of nutrients. The beneficial effects of probiotics have been demonstrated in many diseases. One of the main mechanisms of probiotics is the regulation of the immune response of the host. The article reviews and discusses the regulatory role of probiotics in the “intestine-lungs” system and the immune system of mucous membranes for potential antiviral mechanisms. The unique role of probiotics in modulation of intestinal microbes and establishment of intestinal homeostasis and production of interferon as antiviral mechanism is described. In addition, the regulatory role of probiotics in the system «intestine-lungs» and the immune system of the mucous membranes for potential antiviral mechanisms, including in COVID-19 is considered and discussed. Symbiotic products Bac-Set® Forte and Bac-Set® Cold/Flu are described.