Abstract: As a probiotic, Lactobacillus is an indispensable microorganism in the intestinal tract of humans and most animals. In recent years, due to the continuous development of science and technology, the focus of Lactobacillus research has shifted from the live cells to the cell surface components. Teichoic acid is one of the major components of the bacterial cell wall. Especially, lipoteichoic acid anchored to the cell membrane has attracted people’s attention as it is an active component responsible for host immune regulation. This paper reviews the physicochemical properties, extraction methods and biological activities of lipoteichoic acid, including participating in the adhesion and colonization of Lactobacillus to the host and intestinal immune regulation in vivo and in vitro, as well as the effect of lipoteichoic acid mutation on the strain. We hope this review will provide a reference for research on the immune-regulating effect of Lactobacillus.

Key words: lipoteichoic acid; Lactobacillus; adhesion; immunoregulation; mutation