Engineered bacteria as therapeutic agents

Abstract

Although bacteria are generally regarded as the causative agents of infectious diseases, most bacteria inhabiting the human body are non-pathogenic and some of them can be turned, after proper engineering, into 'smart' living therapeutics of defined properties for the treatment of different illnesses. This review focuses on recent developments to engineer bacteria for the treatment of diverse human pathologies, including inflammatory bowel diseases, autoimmune disorders, cancer, metabolic diseases and obesity, as well as to combat bacterial and viral infections. We discuss significant advances provided by synthetic biology to fully reprogram bacteria as human therapeutics, including novel measures for strict biocontainment.

Gut microbiome in chronic kidney disease: challenges and opportunities

“…Advancement in DNA technologies for manipulation of microbial genomes has made it possible to generate tailored bacteria for the treatment of human disorders. These bacteria could be altered to produce a continuous and inexpensive supply of required therapeutic molecules for treatment or scavengers that remove toxic molecules (109). These molecules may be designed to turn on and off the synthesis of molecules based on the biological need.…”

A Novel Biocontainment Strategy Makes Bacterial Growth and Survival Dependent on Phosphite

“…Owing to recent developments in the fields of synthetic biology12 and genomics34, there is a growing demand for functionalized GMMs that can be safely used outside of enclosed laboratory facilities. Novel applications of GMMs include the production of biofuels, bioremediation5, and clinical treatments6. One of the biggest concerns for the practical use of GMMs in the open environment is the possibility of uncontrolled proliferation that could, in a worst-case scenario, endanger public health or biodiversity.…”

Sustainable therapies by engineered bacteria

“…In addition to these conventional technologies, microbial engineering is developing innovative approaches to produce and deliver complex biologics in situ , within the body, ideally in a controlled and programmable way. These are based on the engineering of probiotic and commensal bacteria from human microbiota, using both classical genetic engineering and synthetic biology tools, to generate therapeutic bacteria that produce the desired biologic (Cameron et al ., 2014; Piñero‐Lambea et al ., 2015a). Here, we briefly discuss the potential of the use of engineered bacteria for the treatment of human diseases in an affordable and effective way that will help to accomplish the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 3: ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well‐being for all at all ages.…”