title: Probiotics and immune health.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The beneficial effects of probiotics have been demonstrated in many diseases. One of the major mechanisms of probiotic action is through the regulation of host immune response. This review highlights the recent scientific research findings that advance our understanding of probiotic regulation of the host immune response with potential application for disease prevention and treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Probiotic genomic and proteomic studies have identified several genes and specific compounds derived from probiotics, which mediate immunoregulatory effects. Studies regarding the biological consequences of probiotics in host immunity suggested that they regulate the functions of systemic and mucosal immune cells and intestinal epithelial cells. Thus, probiotics showed therapeutic potential for diseases, including several immune response-related diseases, such as allergy, eczema, viral infection, and potentiating vaccination responses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Probiotics may provide novel approaches for both disease prevention and treatment. However, the results of clinical studies regarding probiotic application are preliminary and require further confirmation.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
authors: Fang
authors: F
authors: Yan
authors: D B
authors: DB
authors: Polk
mesh_terms: D056704:Adaptive Immunity / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity / Q000502:physiology*; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000235:genetics; D019936:Probiotics / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins