Interactions between Intestinal Microflora/Probiotics and the Immune System

Table 2

Mechanisms of probiotics and host interaction.

---

Probiotics

---

Immunologic functions

Stimulate intestinal antigen-presenting cells such as macrophages or dendritic cells and increase immunoglobulin A (IgA) secretion

Regulate lymphocyte polarization and cytokine profiles

Induce tolerance to food antigens

---

Nonimmunologic functions

Digest food and inhibitory compete with pathogens for nutrition and adhesion

Alter local PH to create an unfavorable microenvironment for pathogens

Generate bacteriocins to inhibit pathogens

Scavenge superoxide radicals

Promote epithelial antimicrobial peptides production and enhance intestinal barrier function

---