Immunomodulation in Lactic Acid Bacteria: Exploring Prospects for Adjunct Functional Food Therapy

Probiotics have been extensively studied for their health benefits in humans and animals. A number of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are classified as probiotics, and several studies showed their immunomodulatory effects in animal models and clinical trials. LAB are also involved in the gut microbiome cross talks by inhibiting pathogenic bacteria that induce inflammatory responses. Since an impaired gut microbial community has consequences in different organs such as the skin, brain, lungs, liver, and heart, immune responses in the gut have been associated with organ disorders. In this review paper, we discuss the beneficial effects of several LAB strains in human and animal immunity and related diseases. In addition, we explored the potential of local LAB strains and traditional functional foods in addressing human health.