Immunotherapy: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Probiotic Modulation of Intestinal Cell Apoptosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colon Cancer

Estefanía Muñoz-Atienza

Probiotic bacteria have been proposed as a therapeutic strategy for chronic intestinal inflammation and colon cancer. One of the mechanisms of action by which probiotics exert their effects is the modulation of apoptosis in intestinal immune and/or epithelial cells. Therefore, the knowledge of how probiotics modulate cell apoptosis provide additional information in the therapeutic strategy of these intestinal disorders. The objective of this commentary is to highlight the most relevant studies focused on pro- and anti-apoptotic effects of probiotics in intestinal cells in order to gain insight into their mechanisms of action.