Table 2.

Mechanisms of probiotics and host interaction.

Probiotics
Immunologic functions
Stimulate intestinal antigen-presenting cells such as macrophages or dendritic cells and increase immunoglobulin A (IgA) secretion
Regulate lymphocyte polarization and cytokine profiles
Induce tolerance to food antigens
Nonimmunologic functions
Digest food and inhibitory compete with pathogens for nutrition and adhesion
Alter local PH to create an unfavorable microenvironment for pathogens
Generate bacteriocins to inhibit pathogens
Scavenge superoxide radicals
Promote epithelial antimicrobial peptides production and enhance intestinal barrier function