FIGURE 2.

Native probiotic microbes provide beneficial activities. 1) Secretion of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and other small molecules can enhance epithelial barrier function. 2) Probiotic strains can secrete anti-microbial peptides and other small molecules that inhibit pathogenic bacteria. 3) Probiotic strains can modulate inflammatory responses through influence on dendritic cells and T-cells to improve immune function and dampen secretion of inflammatory cytokines. 4) Probiotics compete with pathogens for space and nutrients thus limiting their proliferation in a crowded gut environment. 5) Resident microbiota and probiotics inhibit pathogen adhesion and colonization of the gut walls. Figure constructed using Biorender.