News and Updates on Probiotics

Dear Colleagues,

Probiotics are commonly recognized as functional microorganisms that are able to exert a positive effect on human health. Although both the mechanism of action and the effect of pathogens on human hosts have been extensively studied, the attention of the scientific community has only recently shifted towards the beneficial role played by microorganisms with probiotic features. Increasing evidence demonstrates that microorganisms with claimed probiotic properties could benefit human (in different age groups) and animal health by modulating the host’s metabolism, physiology, nutrition, and immune functions. In addition, based on the available literature, probiotics have emerged as agents that are able not only to maintain a healthy status but also to prevent and treat dysbiosis. The Topic “News and Updates of Probiotics" aims at increasing knowledge about probiotic functions; molecular mechanisms of the host-microbe interactions that enable beneficial outcomes; identification, characterization, and the mechanisms of action of bioactive molecules produced by probiotics; and the development of innovative strategies for the prevention and treatment of diseases and dysbiosis. This Topic plans to publish original basic research articles, clinical studies, reviews, and perspectives that contribute to understanding probiotics, their mechanisms of action, health benefits, and applications in various fields. Potential topics include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Isolation, identification, and characterization of new probiotic strains;
• Studying the mechanisms of action by which probiotics exert health-promoting effects on the host, including interactions with microbiota, modulation of the immune function, and production of bioactive compounds;
• Clinical trials and epidemiological studies investigating the health effects of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of various dysbiosis and pathologic conditions as well as in improving animal health, growth performance, and disease resistance;
• Development of probiotic-containing foods, beverages, and dietary supplements for human and animal consumption;
• Development of probiotics for soil and plant health.

Dr. Alessandra Pino
Dr. Mutamed Ayyash
Topic Editors