Caister Academic Press

Bifidobacteria: Regulators of Intestinal Homeostasis

Thomas D. Leser, Caroline T. Gottlieb and Eric Johansen
from: Probiotics and Prebiotics: Current Research and Future Trends (Edited by: Koen Venema and Ana Paula do Carmo). Caister Academic Press, U.K. (2015) Pages: 43-68.

Abstract

Bifidobacteria are natural inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tract possessing genetic adaptations that enable colonization of this harsh and complex habitat. Due to their recognized benefits to human health bifidobacteria are used as probiotics; however industrial-scale production of bifidobacteria is a challenge. Bifidobacteria interact with key elements of intestinal functioning and contribute to maintaining homeostasis. Recent scientific progress has demonstrated that bifidobacteria, through strain-dependent interactions with the host may reduce mucosal antigen load, improve the intestinal barrier, and induce regulation of local and systemic immune responses. Continued research on Bifidobacterium-host interactions is expected to bring knowledge on the mechanisms involved in these health effects, and to support the identification of even more efficacious strains that will increase the variety of commercially available products read more ...
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