Probiotics—microorganisms that have a favorable influence on physiological and pathological processes of the host by their effect on the intestinal flora—may play a role in improving human health. The most intriguing aspect of probiotic modulation of immune response is through its effects on cytokine production. Thus, the role of cytokines in probiotic-mediated immune modulation is reviewed, especially by Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium as candidate probiotics.

Probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have been shown to influence several aspects of immune function. Such altered function can involve one or several components of cytokines. Although several in vitro and in vivo studies on probiotic effects on immunity have been reported, the specific mechanisms of the observed changes remain unclear. One of the putative effects is the modulation of immune function through cytokines. Cytokines and their regulation of the immune system were studied intensively in the last several years and the results showed that cytokine production by cells of the immune system can be altered by probiotic use (Matsuguchi et al., 2003; Jennifer et al., 2010; and Megan et al., 2010).

Biotechnology Journal, Stress Adaptation of Bacteria, Extremophiles, Bacterial Adaptation, Cytosolic Components, Denature Cellular Proteins, Reactive Oxygen Species, Monounsaturated Fatty Acids, Ultraviolet Radiation, Environmental Stress, Stress Management, Biological Systems, Cellular Economy.