Articles

Immune homeostasis depends on gut microbes and the immune system. Using non-pharmacological methods, probiotics and prebiotics strengthen immunity and lower the incidence of infectious diseases. Prebiotics mainly use microbial fermentation to promote the development and activity of advantageous microorganisms. Short-chain fatty acids (SCAFs) synthesized by prebiotics, support innate and adaptive immunity, modulate inflammatory pathways, and fortify epithelial barriers. By strengthening mucosal defenses, encouraging IgA secretion, competing with pathogens, and reestablishing microbial balance, they provide health benefits. Both prebiotics and probiotics are useful in treating respiratory, urogenital, parasitic, and helminths infections as well as gastrointestinal infections, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and recurrent Clostridium difficile. Additionally, they are involved in parasite infections, antiviral immunity, and vaccine response. Personalized microbiome-based therapies, next-generation probiotic development, and growing interest in synbiotics and postbiotics are some of the future directions. Prebiotics and probiotics can be used to modify the gut microbiota, which is a promising and practical way to improve host immunity and reduce the risk of infectious diseases.