Impact of Prebiotics, Probiotics and Gut Derived Metabolites on Host Immunity

Abstract

Increasing evidence indicates that gut microorganisms impact multiple aspects of the innate and adaptive mucosal immune system. Current research focuses on the potential of prebiotics (non-digestible fibres that nourish beneficial bacteria) and probiotics (beneficial live bacteria) to promote health, prevent disease, and for use as a treatment strategy for a variety of immune-mediated conditions. The immune modulatory effects of probiotics and prebiotics are strain-or structure-specific and vary with disease state, age, and sex. Prebiotics and live beneficial bacteria, including their metabolic products or soluble mediators, have the ability to affect the composition of the intestinal microbiota. As well, they influence the integrity and functions of intestinal epithelial cells and anti-gen presenting cells, including dendritic cells and macrophages, by both direct and indirect mechanisms of action. Statement of novelty: This review serves to highlight select advances related to the impact of prebiotics, probi-otics, and gut microbe-derived metabolites on host immune function.