Engineering bacteria to deliver locally therapeutic agents or to present antigens for vaccination is an emerging area of research with great clinical potential.
Up to date, an attenuated BCG strain, used for prostate cancer vaccination, is the only example of a living bacteria used for human therapy. However, there are several studies worldwide at preclinical stage addressing the use of engineered bacteria for human therapy. Among 65-80% of human infections are associated to biofilms, especially in respiratory infections. We have decided to engineer a mild human lung pathogen, M. pneumoniae, to fight against bacterial lung infections resistant to antibiotics as well as against lung cancer. To do so first we have over the past years done a full systems biology of the bacterium with the aim of developing a whole cell model that will allow us to engineer it in a rational manner. Using this information we have engineered a non-pathogenic chassis of the bacterium. This chassis does not trigger inflammation, it is not pathogenic and it is able to dissolve in vivo biofilms of S. aureus in mice models, as well as, those made by P. aeruginosa in vitro.
SEMINAR’S DATE, TIME AND PLACE: Wednesday, April 11, 2018. 12:00. Assembly Hall
SPEAKER: Luis Serrano
