How Probiotic Surface Molecules Communicate with the Host Immune System
How do probiotic bacteria convey their health benefits to the host? Bacterial cell-surface macromolecules play a key role in this beneficial interaction between microorganisms and the host, as they can interact with host pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on the gastrointestinal mucosa. In this review, we highlight the documented signaling interactions between the surface molecules of probiotic bacteria (such as long surface appendages, polysaccharides, and lipoteichoic acids) and PRRs.
Pattern Recognition Signaling as the Core of Host–Probiotic Crosstalk
Research on host-probiotic interactions can benefit from well-documented host-microorganism studies that cover the full spectrum from pathogenicity to mutualism. Distinctions and parallels are therefore drawn with the interactions of similar molecules presented by gastrointestinal commensals and pathogens.
Authors: Sarah Lebeer, Jos Vanderleyden, and Sigrid C. J. De Keersmaecker
