The ability of probiotics to influence the immune system differs greatly depending on the strain in question. One probiotic strain is not like another when it comes to immune function. T-cell counts are one marker documenting this. Different strains activate different subtypes of T-helper cells while others specifically induce another subtype.
By building on our current knowledge of strain specific immune modulatory effects it may become possible to design clinically effective, bacteria based strategies to maintain and promote health.
