Transgenic Probiotic E. Coli Cell

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a genetically engineered (transgenic) probiotic E. coli bacterium that has been modified to express and secrete an immunomodulatory protein derived from nematodes (such as certain cystatins or chitinases). The genetic instructions for this function are integrated into the bacterial chromosome, instead of a plasmid, to increase genetic stability and safety. The bacteria are made auxotrophic (dependent on an externally supplied nutrient, e.g., thymidine), allowing their proliferation to be controlled and easily discontinued. A detectable marker protein (e.g., cardiac troponin) is included for patient monitoring.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Therapeutic treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
• Treatment of allergic rhinitis and allergic airway hyperreactivity (e.g., asthma).
• Restoring or maintaining intestinal barrier function.
• Developing personalized probiotic-based therapies where live bacteria can be controlled and monitored.
• Potential use in patients with impaired intestinal barrier or hyperpermeability.
• Clinical trials and research on engineered probiotics for immunomodulation.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Reduced risk of horizontal gene transfer due to chromosomal (not plasmid) integration of genetic material.
• Improved safety: auxotrophic bacteria can be controlled or eliminated by withholding necessary nutrients.
• Ability to individualize dosage and monitor the presence and activity of the transgenic bacteria using a harmless marker protein.
• Decreased risk of environmental proliferation – bacteria cannot survive without supplemental nutrients.
• Potential to treat both gastrointestinal and allergic/inflammatory disorders non-invasively via oral administration.
• Avoidance of antibiotic resistance marker retention due to removable selection markers during strain construction.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a transgenic probioticE. colicell genetically engineered to express and secrete a nematode-derived immunomodulator. The cell comprises chromosomalE. coliDNA, wherein the genetic information for expression and secretion of the nematode-derived immunomodulator is integrated into the chromosomalE. coliDNA and wherein theE. coli cellis an auxotrophic cell lacking genetic information necessary for synthesizing a compound required for the growth of theE. coli cell.