Clinical Interventions and Budding Applications of Probiotics in the Treatment and Prevention of Viral Infections

Arch Med Res. 2022 Feb;53(2):122-130. doi: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2021.09.008. Epub 2021 Oct 22.

Abstract

Over the period, viral infections remain the utmost challenge in front of the scientific community. Continuous shifting and drafting of viral antigenic peptides are the main drivers in the development of antiviral drug resistance. The resurgence of disease, difficulties facing the development of an effective vaccine and undesirable immunological outcomes, foster to develop an alternative therapeutic approach to combat viral infections. Biomimetic nature of viral particles competent to invade the host cell by downregulating the expression of immune responsive cells. To revive from such complications, strengthening the innate immunity places first and foremost defense mechanisms to restrict viral infiltration. Variegated probiotic strains show antiviral activity by stimulating the macrophage and dendritic cell to secret the inflammation response mediated chemokines and cytokines, production of antimicrobial peptides, and biosurfactants, modulate the antiviral gens expression, alter the proportional functionality of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory cells (Tregs), etc. With the appreciation for the antiviral activity and health benefits, however, the selectivity of specific probiotic strain from the diversified microbiome, the interactive molecular mechanism of probiotics, viability and sustainability of a specific number of a probiotic strain at the end of the shelf life, stability, selection of the formulation materials, identification and validation of the key process parameters have the major challenges for the development of an effective probiotic therapy against viral infections.

Keywords: Gut; Innate immunity; Molecular pharmacology; Probiotics; Viral infections; respiratory microbiota.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Humans
  • Microbiota*
  • Probiotics* / therapeutic use
  • Virus Diseases*