Use of Probiotic Bacteria for Prevention and Therapy of Allergic Diseases

Abstract

Probiotic bacteria as modulators of the immune response have been intensively studied in reducing the risk of immune-mediated diseases, including atopic diseases. Results from in vitro studies demonstrated that probiotics may modify the polarization of immune cells, supporting potential therapeutic effects in atopic diseases. Several clinical studies have been designed to explore the effective role of probiotics in the modulation of allergic diseases. The results of these studies, although promising, are not conclusive yet and are considered insufficient to recommend probiotics as a part of standard therapy in any allergic conditions. In vivo studies on animal models can provide useful information on the immunologic mechanisms responsible for the potential antiallergic effects of probiotic bacteria. The immunomodulatory activity of the probiotic mixture VSL#3 has been studied in the mouse models of allergic sensitization and anaphylaxis developed in our laboratory with inhalant and food allergens, according to a prophylactic setting by the intranasal route (inhalant allergy model) or a therapeutic setting by the oral route (food allergy model). Intranasally delivered probiotic bacteria prevented the development of Parietaria major allergen-specific response, by down-regulating T helper cell 2 responses at the local and systemic level. Oral therapeutic treatment was able to reduce both systemic and local anaphylactic symptoms induced by oral challenge with the sensitizing allergen Shrimp Tropomyosin. The induction of protective immune responses at the sites of allergen exposure linked to counterregulatory local and systemic immune responses by mucosal delivery of probiotic bacteria mixtures might become an effective strategy in the prevention and therapy of allergic diseases.

Various effects of different probiotic strains in allergic disorders: an update from laboratory and clinical data

“…The majority of the RCTs showed a reduction in symptom severity and decreased use of relief medications [65,66]. Moreover, the immunomodulatory activity of the probiotic mixture VSL#3, studied in mouse models of allergic sensitization with inhalants, prevented the development of Parietaria major allergen-specific local and systemic response when delivered intranasally [59]. Twelve-month consumption of fermented milk containing Lctbs casei improved the health status of children with AR [67].…”

“…Studies in infants with eczema who received formulas supplemented with LGG have shown benefit in decreasing gastrointestinal symptoms [58]. In addition, oral therapy with the probiotic mixture VSL#3 and Lctbs casei strain Shirota were able to reduce anaphylactic symptoms in a food allergy model [59,60].…”

RETRACTED: Preventative and Therapeutic Role of Probiotics in Various Allergic and Autoimmune Disorders: An Up-to-Date Literature Review of Essential Experimental and Clinical Data

“…124,125 Oral therapy with the probiotic mixture VSL#3 and Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) were able to reduce anaphylactic symptoms in a food allergy model. 126,127 The therapeutic potential of VSL#3 probiotic mixture on specific immune responses and anaphylactic reaction induced in mice by the major food allergen shrimp tropomyosin was investigated. Oral therapeutic administration of VSL#3 to shrimp tropomyosin-sensitized mice significantly reduces symptom R e t r a c t e d score and histamine release in the feces following allergen challenge, as well as specific IgE response.…”

“…135,136 Moreover, the immunomodulatory activity of the probiotic mixture VSL#3, studied in the mouse models of allergic sensitization with inhalants, prevented the development of Parietaria major allergen-specific local and systemic response when delivered intranasally. 126 The aim of a study by Peng and Hsu 137 was to evaluate the efficacy of heat-killed Lactobacillus paracasei (LP33) in the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis induced by house dust mite in 90 human subjects. The results suggest that heatkilled LP33 can effectively improve the overall quality of life for patients with allergic rhinitis and that it may be efficacious as an alternative treatment.…”

Association of Beta-Glucan Endogenous Production with Increased Stress Tolerance of Intestinal Lactobacilli

“…A number of health claims have been associated with probiotics, such as reduced lactose intolerance, reduction in duration of infectious diarrhea, improved immune function, management of inflammatory bowel diseases, reduction in allergic responses, and lowering serum cholesterol (5,6,16,35,38,43,53,72). Given the increased clinical evidence supporting their role in health promotion, it is not surprising that there is an increasing demand for such functional foods within Europe (59).…”