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Next generation probiotics: Engineering live biotherapeutics
Sanjeeva Kumar Murali1, Thomas J Mansell2
1Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
Abstract:
The population dynamics of the human microbiome have been associated with inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, obesity, autoimmune diseases, and many other human disease states. An emerging paradigm in treatment is the administration of live engineered organisms, also called next-generation probiotics. However, the efficacy of these microbial therapies can be limited by the organism's overall performance in the harsh and nutrient-limited environment of the gut. In this review, we summarize the current state of the art use of bacterial and yeast strains as probiotics, highlight the recent development of genetic tools for engineering new therapeutic functions in these organisms, and report on the latest therapeutic applications of engineered probiotics, including recent clinical trials. We also discuss the supplementation of prebiotics as a method of manipulating the microbiome and improving the overall performance of engineered live biotherapeutics.
Insights
Engineered probiotics show promise for treating diseases linked to the human microbiome. Genetic tools enhance these live biotherapeutics, with prebiotics further improving their gut performance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Human microbiome dysbiosis is linked to various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, and obesity.
- Next-generation probiotics, or live engineered organisms, represent an emerging therapeutic strategy.
- The gut's harsh, nutrient-limited environment can hinder the efficacy of microbial therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current use of bacterial and yeast strains as probiotics.
- To highlight advancements in genetic engineering for novel probiotic functions.
- To report on therapeutic applications and clinical trials of engineered probiotics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current probiotic applications and genetic engineering tools.
- Analysis of recent therapeutic applications and clinical trial data for engineered probiotics.
- Discussion of prebiotic supplementation strategies to enhance probiotic performance.
Main Results:
- Bacterial and yeast strains are actively being developed and utilized as probiotics.
- Genetic tools enable the engineering of enhanced therapeutic functions in microorganisms.
- Engineered probiotics demonstrate potential in various therapeutic applications, with ongoing clinical investigations.
Conclusions:
- Engineered probiotics offer a promising avenue for treating microbiome-associated diseases.
- Advancements in genetic engineering are expanding the capabilities of live biotherapeutics.
- Combining engineered probiotics with prebiotics may optimize therapeutic outcomes in the gut microbiome.
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