Table 2.
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 |