Development of therapeutic bacteria

 

The aim of our research is to produce modified bacteria that can interfere with the synthesis of certain inflammatory cytokines or other inflammatory mediators in the mammalian host through trans-kingdom RNA interference. The model is that the modified bacteria encode specially designed small hairpin RNAs that are able to reduce inflammatory cytokine expression through RNA interference. 

Bacterial entry into the mammalian cell is ensured by the bacterium-encoded invasin, and the release of hairpin RNA is facilitated by listeriolysin, which degrades the host cell phagosome. This approach has been successfully applied in a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to reduce tumor necrosis factor (TNFalpha) synthesis and inflammatory parameters.

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