Probiotic Modulation of Immune Responses in Viral Infections

Probiotic interventions harness beneficial microorganisms to influence host immunity and mitigate viral disease. Through interactions with mucosal surfaces and immune cells, specific probiotic strains—often termed immunobiotics—can prime innate defences, regulate cytokine production and enhance adaptive responses such as mucosal IgA secretion. Central to their mode of action is the gut-lung axis, a bidirectional network linking the intestinal microbiota with respiratory immunity. By modulating pattern recognition receptors, notably Toll-like receptors, probiotics can attenuate excessive inflammation while promoting effective antiviral defence. Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that intranasal or oral delivery of select Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains reduces viral load, improves survival in influenza and respiratory syncytial virus models, and may complement standard care in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mechanistic insights reveal that probiotic-derived metabolites, cell wall components and exopolysaccharides interact with dendritic cells and macrophages to shape T helper and regulatory T cell responses. At a global scale, probiotic modulation offers a safe, cost-effective strategy to enhance resilience to endemic and emerging viral threats, with practical applications spanning dietary supplements, functional foods and targeted therapeutic formulations.

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Probiotic Modulation of Immune Responses in Viral Infections publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in probiotic modulation of immune responses in viral infections across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Probiotic: Live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host.

Immunobiotic: Probiotic strains specifically selected for their ability to modulate immune responses.

Gut-lung axis: The bidirectional communication network between intestinal microbiota and the respiratory system influencing immune function.

Toll-like receptor (TLR): A pattern-recognition receptor on immune cells that detects microbial components to initiate immune signalling.

Secretory IgA: The predominant antibody class in mucosal secretions that neutralises pathogens at epithelial surfaces.

References

1. Nasally administered Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains differentially modulate respiratory antiviral immune responses and induce protection against respiratory syncytial virus infection. BMC Immunology (2013).
2. Lactobacillus plantarum DK119 as a Probiotic Confers Protection against Influenza Virus by Modulating Innate Immunity. PLOS ONE (2013).
3. Challenges in the Management of SARS-CoV2 Infection: The Role of Oral Bacteriotherapy as Complementary Therapeutic Strategy to Avoid the Progression of COVID-19. Frontiers in Medicine (2020).
4. The potential application of probiotics and prebiotics for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. npj Science of Food (2020).
5. Immunoregulatory Effects Triggered by Lactic Acid Bacteria Exopolysaccharides: New Insights into Molecular Interactions with Host Cells. Microorganisms (2016).