Elsevier

Nutrition Research

Volume 87, March 2021, Pages 1-12
Nutrition Research

Review Article
Probiotics: A potential immunomodulator in COVID-19 infection management

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2020.12.014Get rights and content

Abstract

COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 is an ongoing global pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 affects the human respiratory tract's epithelial cells, leading to a proinflammatory cytokine storm and chronic lung inflammation. With numerous patients dying daily, a vaccine and specific antiviral drug regimens are being explored. Probiotics are live microorganisms with proven beneficial effects on human health. While probiotics as nutritional supplements are long practiced in different cuisines across various countries, the emerging scientific evidence supports the antiviral and general immune-strengthening health effects of the probiotics. Here, we present an overview of the experimental studies published in the last 10 years that provide a scientific basis for unexplored probiotics as a preventive approach to respiratory viral infections. Based on collated insights from these experimental data, we identify promising microbial strains that may serve as lead prophylactic and immune-boosting probiotics in COVID-19 management.

Keywords

COVID-19
Influenza virus
Lactobacillus
Probiotics
Respiratory viral infection
SARS-CoV-2

Abbreviations

ACE2
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2
COVID-19
Coronavirus disease
CRP
C-reactive protein
GCSF
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor
IFV
influenza A virus
IL
Interleukin
IFN-γ
Interferon-gamma
MERS-CoV
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus
NK
Natural killer
OAS
Oligoadenylate synthetase
RVI
Respiratory virus infections
SARS-CoV-2
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
TNF
Tumor Necrosis Factor
Th1/2
T-helper cells type 1 and 2
WHO
World Health Organization

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Present Address: CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, 180001, India.

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