Immunomodulatory Effects of Bifidobacteria and Their Mechanisms

Abstract

The intake of probiotics such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli has been known to prevent and alleviate allergy and infection. These physiological effects are thought to arise from the immunomodulatory effects of probiotics on immunological parameters such as cytokines. However, it is not fully understood how probiotics modulate the immunological parameters of the host. In this study, we investigated the effects of bifidobacteria on the in vitro production of cytokines and chemokines related to allergic developments. In addition, we studied the mechanism of action using the strain Bifidobacterium longum BB536, which has been shown to have anti-allergic and anti-infective properties in clinical studies. We also examined the clinical effects of B. longum BB536 on anti-infection-related immunological parameters.