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Effects of Prebiotics and Probiotics on the Host Immune Response

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Direct-Fed Microbials and Prebiotics for Animals

Abstract

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the largest interface between an animal’s internal milieu and its exterior environment. As such, it forms a physical barrier between the two environments. However, the function of the GI tract in the well-being of an animal is more complex than this passive role. The GI tract not only regulates the selective entry of nutrients while keeping vigilant against pathogens, it is largely responsible for shaping the immune response. Through specialized receptors and other general mechanisms, the GI tract senses changes in its environment and actively responds to the changes. These responses allow the intestine to contribute to the defense against microbes as well as control and regulate the local immune response. In addition, the luminal microbial ecosystem is a highly complex community of primarily bacterial microbes that communicates extensively with itself and the host. The microbial community has major influences on the host, including effects on nutrient absorption, cancer, inflammation, host metabolism, barrier function, and gut function (neuromotor, immunological, vascular) among others. Regulation of the immune response is the basis for the use of probiotics and prebiotics reviewed in this chapter.

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Abbreviations

BSA:

Bovine serum albumin

GALT:

Gut-associated lymphoid tissue

GI:

Gastrointestinal

Ig:

Immunoglobulin

IFN:

Interferon

IL:

Interleukin

LPS:

Lipopolysaccharide

MAMP:

Microbial-associated molecular pattern

NLR:

NOD-like receptor

PRR:

Pattern recognition receptor

SE:

Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis

ST:

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium

TGF:

Transforming growth factor

TLR:

Toll-like receptor

TNF:

Tumor necrosis factor

TT:

Tetanus toxoid

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, College Station, TX, USA

    Michael H. Kogut & Christina L. Swaggerty

Authors
  1. Michael H. Kogut
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  2. Christina L. Swaggerty
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Correspondence to Michael H. Kogut .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Southern Plains Agricultural, Research Center (SPARC), USDA - ARS, F & B Road 2881, College Station, 77845, Texas, USA

    Todd R. Callaway

  2. Department of Food Science, University of Arkansas, N. Young Ave. 2650, Fayetteville, 72704, Arkansas, USA

    Steven C. Ricke

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Kogut, M.H., Swaggerty, C.L. (2012). Effects of Prebiotics and Probiotics on the Host Immune Response. In: Callaway, T., Ricke, S. (eds) Direct-Fed Microbials and Prebiotics for Animals. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-1311-0_5

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