Unraveling the secrets of probiotic adhesion: An overview of adhesion-associated cell surface components, adhesion mechanisms, and the effects of food composition

Abstract

Background

Probiotics, as vital components of the human microecosystem, play a crucial role in maintaining host health. The adhesion of probiotics to epithelial cells or mucus layer represents the initial step in exerting their probiotic effects. Therefore, in-depth research into the adhesion mechanisms of probiotics and their influencing factors is essential for further understanding of probiotic functions and the develop more effective probiotic products.

Scope and objective

The review aims to summarize molecular mechanisms underlying probiotic adhesion, emphasizing the structures and functional dynamics of surface adhesins critical for probiotic-host interface interactions. It also endeavors to investigate the influence of dietary components on the adhesion capabilities of probiotics, providing a deeper understanding of how various food compositions can either promote or hinder the adhesion process. This understanding is crucial for developing targeted strategies to optimize probiotic efficacy and design functional foods that enhance the beneficial effects of probiotics.

Key findings and conclusions

Surface proteins are critical for the adhesion of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, with different types of surface proteins within the same strain contributing to either non-specific or specific adhesion mechanisms. While some adhesion proteins share structural similarities across different strains, others exhibit unique structural features that distinguish them. Effective adhesion is a synergistic outcome influenced by both host epithelial cells and the surface components of probiotics, as observed in diverse environments such as the intestinal tract, oral cavity, and skin. Dietary components, including carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, can modulate probiotic adherence. Among these, oligosaccharides have been more extensively studied, while the role of proteins is gaining increasing attention, highlighting the complex interplay between diet and probiotic functionality.