Abstract: As important indicators to evaluate intestinal development, normal proliferation and differentiation of intestinal cells and the integrity of the mucosal barrier largely determine energy homeostasis and overall growth performance of humans and animals, thereby being considered as fundamental determinants of physiological homeostasis in humans and animals. Good microbe-host communication and their symbiotic relationship have positive effects on intestinal development and homeostasis. In recent years, a large number of studies worldwide have shown that intestinal microorganisms are involved in the regulation of intestinal proliferation and differentiation, including lactic acid bacteria which have been reported for probiotic properties. In order to provide insights into the role of probiotics in regulating intestinal development, intestinal composition and developmental mechanism are described in detail, and the functions of probiotics in promoting the proliferation and differentiation of intestinal epithelial cells and intestinal stem cells, enhancing intestinal mucosal barrier function, and maintaining good intestinal morphology as well as the underlying mechanisms are reviewed from three aspects, including probiotic cell components (such as pilin and cell wall components), metabolites (butyric acid and butyrate), and intestinal flora diversity and colonization status.

Key words: probiotics; intestinal growth; pilin protein; cell wall components; butyrate; intestinal flora