Lee Swanson Research Update

Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria Boosts Immune System Regulators

February 2004

Interest in the immunostimulatory effects of probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) has raised many questions about their potential mode of action. To find out more a group of researchers examined the effects of LAB on cytokine production. The body produces various cytokines to regulate immune system response.

Researchers compared different species and strains of LAB, as well as strains grown under different conditions—lab-grown (LG) versus industrial preparations (IND). They discovered that production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) cytokines was enhanced by IND strains of Lactobacillus delbreuckii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus produced by Institut Rosell, but not by LG preparations of L. delbreuckii and L. rhamnosus.

Another strain from Institut Rosell, Bifidobacterium longum, also enhanced IL-6 production, but not as strongly as the initial two strains.

Researchers said, "these findings support the potential for the lactic acid bacteria to be used as immunostimulants, and suggest that their relative efficacy may vary not only with strain, but also with growth conditions. Effects on the production of these cytokines may reflect an important route through which probiotic lactic acid bacteria can influence the immune response."

Presented at the annual meeting of the American Association of Immunologists, May 2000

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