Potential of probiotics as biotherapeutic agents targeting the innate immune system

Abstract

Probiotics had been of interest in the promotion of good health in animals and man. Some of the positive effects of probiotics are: growth promotion of farm animals, protection of host from intestinal infections, alleviation of lactose intolerance, relief of constipation, anticarcinogenic effect, anticholesterolaemic effects, nutrient synthesis and bioavailability, prevention of genital and urinary tract infections, and immunostimulatory effects. Their beneficial effects may be mediated by direct antagonism of specific groups of organisms, resulting in a decrease in numbers or by an effect on their metabolism or by stimulation of immunity. The resistance of people in developing countries to diseases can be improved upon by promoting the consumption of locally fermented foods that are rich in probiotic organisms. This article reviews the potential of probiotics as immuno-enhancing agents and the future perspective in developing potent probiotics with immunostimulatory molecules that can serve as outstanding vaccine adjuvants.

African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 4 (2), pp. 123-127, 2005