Active induction: a promising strategy for enhancing the bioactivity of lactic acid bacteria

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), as key probiotic, play crucial roles in maintaining human health. However, their survival and functionality in diverse habitats depend on their ability to sense and respond to environmental stresses. Notably, active induction has emerged as a promising strategy for regulating the biological activity of LAB, potentially enhancing their health benefits. Therefore, this review summarizes the beneficial effects of active induction, including acid, bile, oxidation, ethanol, heat, cold, and radiation induction on the functional activities of LAB. In addition, omics methods, in silico analysis, and gene editing technologies have greatly facilitated the profound exploration of the stress regulatory network in LAB, thereby aiding the identification of active components and stress adaptors. Through these advancements, LAB provide health benefits by regulating stress-related genes and proteins, as well as inducing bioactive metabolite production. As a result, they could enhance stress tolerance, cross-protection, intestinal colonization, adhesion properties, and provide antialcohol and liver protection in vitro or in vivo. This study highlights the potential of active induction strategies in enhancing the functional role of LAB in food applications.