Bacterial live therapeutics for human diseases

Mol Syst Biol. 2024 Dec;20(12):1261-1281. doi: 10.1038/s44320-024-00067-0. Epub 2024 Oct 23.

Abstract

The genomic revolution has fueled rapid progress in synthetic and systems biology, opening up new possibilities for using live biotherapeutic products (LBP) to treat, attenuate or prevent human diseases. Among LBP, bacteria-based therapies are particularly promising due to their ability to colonize diverse human tissues, modulate the immune system and secrete or deliver complex biological products. These bacterial LBP include engineered pathogenic species designed to target specific diseases, and microbiota species that promote microbial balance and immune system homeostasis, either through local administration or the gut-body axes. This review focuses on recent advancements in preclinical and clinical trials of bacteria-based LBP, highlighting both on-site and long-reaching strategies.

Keywords: Gut-Body Axis; Live Therapeutic Products; Microbiota; On-Site Delivery; Pathogenic Bacteria.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacteria* / genetics
  • Bacteria* / metabolism
  • Biological Therapy* / methods
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome
  • Humans
  • Microbiota