Bacteriocin Production: a Probiotic Trait?

Overview

Journal Appl Environ Microbiol

Specialties Environmental Health
Microbiology

Date 2011 Nov 1

PMID 22038602

Citations 249

Authors

Alleson Dobson

Paul D Cotter

R Paul Ross

Colin Hill

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Bacteriocins are an abundant and diverse group of ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria and archaea. Traditionally, bacteriocin production has been considered an important trait in the selection of probiotic strains, but until recently, few studies have definitively demonstrated the impact of bacteriocin production on the ability of a strain to compete within complex microbial communities and/or positively influence the health of the host. Although research in this area is still in its infancy, there is intriguing evidence to suggest that bacteriocins may function in a number of ways within the gastrointestinal tract. Bacteriocins may facilitate the introduction of a producer into an established niche, directly inhibit the invasion of competing strains or pathogens, or modulate the composition of the microbiota and influence the host immune system. Here we review the role of bacteriocin production in complex microbial communities and their potential to enhance human health.

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