A probiotic strain (Bifidobacterium breve UCP0911) was selected with anti-inflammatory properties and hence, important potential in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). During well-designed clinical trials, the potential of the selected probiotic in IBD patients (ulcerative colitis and pouchitis) will be fully explored. These clinical trials will aim at unravelling the basic interaction between microbial, immunological and genetic parameters in correlation with the clinical outcome, based on a rational multidisciplinary approach.