Probiotics as efficient immunopotentiators: translational role in cancer prevention

Indian J Med Res. 2013 Nov;138(5):808-14.

Abstract

Accumulating evidences indicate that some diseases are triggered by abnormalities of the gut microbiota. Among these, immune-related diseases can be the promising targets for probiotcs. Several studies have proved the efficacy of probiotics for preventing such diseases including cancers, infections, allergies, inflammatory bowel diseases and autoimmune diseases. Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) is one of the most popular probiotics, benefits of which in health maintenance and disease control have been supported by several science-based evidences. This review summarizes human clinical trials with this probiotic against cancer development and also discusses the possible immunomodulatory mechanisms by which LcS exerts anti-cancer activity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / therapeutic use*
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / drug effects
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / immunology
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-12 / immunology
  • Interleukin-12 / metabolism
  • Killer Cells, Natural / drug effects
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
  • Lacticaseibacillus casei / immunology
  • Microbiota / drug effects
  • Microbiota / immunology
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Probiotics / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Interleukin-12