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Genetically modified Lactococcus lactis : novel tools for drug delivery
Author(s) -
STEIDLER LOTHAR,
VANDENBROUCKE KLAAS
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
international journal of dairy technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.061
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 1471-0307
pISSN - 1364-727X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-0307.2006.00255.x
Subject(s) - lactococcus lactis , genetically modified organism , lactococcus , recombinant dna , thymidine , microbiology and biotechnology , secretion , biology , genetically engineered , drug delivery , chemistry , bacteria , gene , biochemistry , dna , genetics , lactic acid , organic chemistry
The dairy bacterium Lactococcus lactis can be genetically engineered to secrete bioactive cytokines. This enabled the development of an entirely novel drug delivery system: topical and active delivery of therapeutic proteins by genetically modified micro‐organisms. In mice, intestinal inflammation can be successfully treated with interleukin‐10‐ (IL‐10) or trefoil factor‐secreting L. lactis . In human application, biological containment is guaranteed by exchange of the gene encoding thymidylate synthase for IL‐10. The recombinant strain is now absolutely dependent on exogenous thymidine. Thymidine starvation will irreversibly lead to ‘thymidine‐less death’ induction. This accomplishment has opened applications in human medicine.