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Zhang Y, Bailey TS, Hittmeyer P, Dubois LJ, Theys J, Lambin P. Multiplex genetic manipulations in Clostridium butyricum and Clostridium sporogenes to secrete recombinant antigen proteins for oral-spore vaccination. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:119. [PMID: 38659027 PMCID: PMC11040787 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02389-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clostridium spp. has demonstrated therapeutic potential in cancer treatment through intravenous or intratumoral administration. This approach has expanded to include non-pathogenic clostridia for the treatment of various diseases, underscoring the innovative concept of oral-spore vaccination using clostridia. Recent advancements in the field of synthetic biology have significantly enhanced the development of Clostridium-based bio-therapeutics. These advancements are particularly notable in the areas of efficient protein overexpression and secretion, which are crucial for the feasibility of oral vaccination strategies. Here, we present two examples of genetically engineered Clostridium candidates: one as an oral cancer vaccine and the other as an antiviral oral vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS Using five validated promoters and a signal peptide derived from Clostridium sporogenes, a series of full-length NY-ESO-1/CTAG1, a promising cancer vaccine candidate, expression vectors were constructed and transformed into C. sporogenes and Clostridium butyricum. Western blotting analysis confirmed efficient expression and secretion of NY-ESO-1 in clostridia, with specific promoters leading to enhanced detection signals. Additionally, the fusion of a reported bacterial adjuvant to NY-ESO-1 for improved immune recognition led to the cloning difficulties in E. coli. The use of an AUU start codon successfully mitigated potential toxicity issues in E. coli, enabling the secretion of recombinant proteins in C. sporogenes and C. butyricum. We further demonstrate the successful replacement of PyrE loci with high-expression cassettes carrying NY-ESO-1 and adjuvant-fused NY-ESO-1, achieving plasmid-free clostridia capable of secreting the antigens. Lastly, the study successfully extends its multiplex genetic manipulations to engineer clostridia for the secretion of SARS-CoV-2-related Spike_S1 antigens. CONCLUSIONS This study successfully demonstrated that C. butyricum and C. sporogenes can produce the two recombinant antigen proteins (NY-ESO-1 and SARS-CoV-2-related Spike_S1 antigens) through genetic manipulations, utilizing the AUU start codon. This approach overcomes challenges in cloning difficult proteins in E. coli. These findings underscore the feasibility of harnessing commensal clostridia for antigen protein secretion, emphasizing the applicability of non-canonical translation initiation across diverse species with broad implications for medical or industrial biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchao Zhang
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands.
| | - Tom S Bailey
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands
| | - Philip Hittmeyer
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands
- LivingMed Biotech BV, Clos Chanmurly 13, Liège, 4000, Belgium
| | - Ludwig J Dubois
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Theys
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands
| | - Philippe Lambin
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands.
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Liu D, Yu L, Rong H, Liu L, Yin J. Engineering Microorganisms for Cancer Immunotherapy. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2304649. [PMID: 38598792 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202304649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy presents a promising approach to fight against cancer by utilizing the immune system. Recently, engineered microorganisms have emerged as a potential strategy in cancer immunotherapy. These microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, can be designed and modified using synthetic biology and genetic engineering techniques to target cancer cells and modulate the immune system. This review delves into various microorganism-based therapies for cancer immunotherapy, encompassing strategies for enhancing efficacy while ensuring safety and ethical considerations. The development of these therapies holds immense potential in offering innovative personalized treatments for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingkang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Lichao Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Haibo Rong
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lubin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 120 Longshan Road, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Jun Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
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Theys J, Patterson AV, Mowday AM. Clostridium Bacteria: Harnessing Tumour Necrosis for Targeted Gene Delivery. Mol Diagn Ther 2024; 28:141-151. [PMID: 38302842 PMCID: PMC10925577 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-024-00695-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Necrosis is a common feature of solid tumours that offers a unique opportunity for targeted cancer therapy as it is absent from normal healthy tissues. Tumour necrosis provides an ideal environment for germination of the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium from endospores, resulting in tumour-specific colonisation. Two main species, Clostridium novyi-NT and Clostridium sporogenes, are at the forefront of this therapy, showing promise in preclinical models. However, anti-tumour activity is modest when used as a single agent, encouraging development of Clostridium as a tumour-selective gene delivery system. Various methods, such as allele-coupled exchange and CRISPR-cas9 technology, can facilitate the genetic modification of Clostridium, allowing chromosomal integration of transgenes to ensure long-term stability of expression. Strains of Clostridium can be engineered to express prodrug-activating enzymes, resulting in the generation of active drug selectively in the tumour microenvironment (a concept termed Clostridium-directed enzyme prodrug therapy). More recently, Clostridium strains have been investigated in the context of cancer immunotherapy, either in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors or with engineered strains expressing immunomodulatory molecules such as IL-2 and TNF-α. Localised expression of these molecules using tumour-targeting Clostridium strains has the potential to improve delivery and reduce systemic toxicity. In summary, Clostridium species represent a promising platform for cancer therapy, with potential for localised gene delivery and immunomodulation selectively within the tumour microenvironment. The ongoing clinical progress being made with C. novyi-NT, in addition to developments in genetic modification techniques and non-invasive imaging capabilities, are expected to further progress Clostridium as an option for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Theys
- M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School of Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Adam V Patterson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Alexandra M Mowday
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
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Mowday AM, van de Laak JM, Fu Z, Henare KL, Dubois L, Lambin P, Theys J, Patterson AV. Tumor-targeting bacteria as immune stimulants - the future of cancer immunotherapy? Crit Rev Microbiol 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38346140 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2311653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapies have been widely hailed as a breakthrough for cancer treatment in the last decade, epitomized by the unprecedented results observed with checkpoint blockade. Even so, only a minority of patients currently achieve durable remissions. In general, responsive patients appear to have either a high number of tumor neoantigens, a preexisting immune cell infiltrate in the tumor microenvironment, or an 'immune-active' transcriptional profile, determined in part by the presence of a type I interferon gene signature. These observations suggest that the therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy can be enhanced through strategies that release tumor neoantigens and/or produce a pro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment. In principle, exogenous tumor-targeting bacteria offer a unique solution for improving responsiveness to immunotherapy. This review discusses how tumor-selective bacterial infection can modulate the immunological microenvironment of the tumor and the potential for combination with cancer immunotherapy strategies to further increase therapeutic efficacy. In addition, we provide a perspective on the clinical translation of replicating bacterial therapies, with a focus on the challenges that must be resolved to ensure a successful outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Mowday
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jella M van de Laak
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW-Research School of Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Zhe Fu
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Kimiora L Henare
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ludwig Dubois
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW-Research School of Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Philippe Lambin
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW-Research School of Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Theys
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW-Research School of Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Adam V Patterson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Tan Y, Liang J, Lai M, Wan S, Luo X, Li F. Advances in synthetic biology toolboxes paving the way for mechanistic understanding and strain engineering of gut commensal Bacteroides spp. and Clostridium spp. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 69:108272. [PMID: 37844770 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
The gut microbiota plays a significant role in influencing human immunity, metabolism, development, and behavior by producing a wide range of metabolites. While there is accumulating data on several microbiota-derived small molecules that contribute to host health and disease, our knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolite-mediated microbe-host interactions remains limited. This is primarily due to the lack of efficient genetic tools for most commensal bacteria, especially those belonging to the dominant phyla Bacteroides spp. and Clostridium spp., which hinders the application of synthetic biology to these gut commensal bacteria. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advances in synthetic biology tools developed for the two dominant genera, as well as their applications in deciphering the mechanisms of microbe-host interactions mediated by microbiota-derived small molecules. We also discuss the potential biomedical applications of engineering commensal bacteria using these toolboxes. Finally, we share our perspective on the future development of synthetic biology tools for a better understanding of small molecule-mediated microbe-host interactions and their engineering for biomedical purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Tan
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Qingdao C1 Refinery Engineering Research Center, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China; Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao 266101, China; Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao 266101, China.
| | - Jing Liang
- Center for Synthetic Biochemistry, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Mingchi Lai
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Sai Wan
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Qingdao C1 Refinery Engineering Research Center, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China; Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao 266101, China; Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao 266101, China
| | - Xiaozhou Luo
- Center for Synthetic Biochemistry, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Fuli Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Qingdao C1 Refinery Engineering Research Center, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China; Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao 266101, China; Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao 266101, China.
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Kubiak AM, Claessen L, Zhang Y, Khazaie K, Bailey TS. Refined control of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in Clostridium sporogenes: the creation of recombinant strains for therapeutic applications. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1241632. [PMID: 37869009 PMCID: PMC10585264 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1241632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite considerable clinical success, the potential of cancer immunotherapy is restricted by a lack of tumour-targeting strategies. Treatment requires systemic delivery of cytokines or antibodies at high levels to achieve clinically effective doses at malignant sites. This is exacerbated by poor penetration of tumour tissue by therapeutic antibodies. High-grade immune-related adverse events (irAEs) occur in a significant number of patients (5-15%, cancer- and therapeutic-dependent) that can lead to lifelong issues and can exclude from treatment patients with pre-existing autoimmune diseases. Tumour-homing bacteria, genetically engineered to produce therapeutics, is one of the approaches that seeks to mitigate these drawbacks. The ability of Clostridium sporogenes to form spores that are unable to germinate in the presence of oxygen (typical of healthy tissue) offers a unique advantage over other vectors. However, the limited utility of existing gene editing tools hinders the development of therapeutic strains. To overcome the limitations of previous systems, expression of the Cas9 protein and the gRNA was controlled using tetracycline inducible promoters. Furthermore, the components of the system were divided across two plasmids, improving the efficiency of cloning and conjugation. Genome integrated therapeutic genes were assayed biochemically and in cell-based functional assays. The potency of these strains was further improved through rationally-conceived gene knock-outs. The new system was validated by demonstrating the efficient addition and deletion of large sequences from the genome. This included the creation of recombinant strains expressing two pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-2 (IL-2) and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and a pro-drug converting enzyme (PCE). A comparative, temporal in vitro analysis of the integrant strains and their plasmid-based equivalents revealed a substantial reduction of cytokine activity in chromosome-based constructs. To compensate for this loss, a 7.6 kb operon of proteolytic genes was deleted from the genome. The resultant knock-out strains showed an 8- to 10-fold increase in cytokine activity compared to parental strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra M. Kubiak
- Exomnis Biotech BV, Maastricht, Netherlands
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Luuk Claessen
- Exomnis Biotech BV, Maastricht, Netherlands
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Yanchao Zhang
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Khashayarsha Khazaie
- Department of Immunology and Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Tom S. Bailey
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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7
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Bailey TS, Hittmeyer P, Zhang Y, Kubiak AM. Streamlined assembly of cloning and genome editing vectors for genus Clostridium. iScience 2023; 26:107484. [PMID: 37599836 PMCID: PMC10432817 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Reported herein is a new set of vectors designed to streamline molecular cloning and genome editing by exploiting modern cloning methods. The new vectors build on the existing pMTL8000 vectors that have been a staple of Clostridium research for more than a decade. The introduction of two pairs of type IIS restriction sites flanking an insulated multiple cloning site in both a cloning vector and a CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing vector enables plasmid construction in a "one-pot" reaction, avoiding the more laborious steps of conventional cloning. A synthetic lacZα expression cassette introduced between the cloning sites enables visual detection of background colonies. In addition, distinct selection markers on each vector permit selection of the desired clones according to antibiotic resistance. An example of strain development using the new vectors is demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom S. Bailey
- GROW - School for Oncology and Reproduction, Faculty of Health and Medical Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, the Netherlands
| | - Philip Hittmeyer
- GROW - School for Oncology and Reproduction, Faculty of Health and Medical Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, the Netherlands
| | - Yanchao Zhang
- GROW - School for Oncology and Reproduction, Faculty of Health and Medical Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, the Netherlands
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Zhou M, Tang Y, Xu W, Hao X, Li Y, Huang S, Xiang D, Wu J. Bacteria-based immunotherapy for cancer: a systematic review of preclinical studies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1140463. [PMID: 37600773 PMCID: PMC10436994 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1140463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has been emerging as a powerful strategy for cancer management. Recently, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that bacteria-based immunotherapy including naive bacteria, bacterial components, and bacterial derivatives, can modulate immune response via various cellular and molecular pathways. The key mechanisms of bacterial antitumor immunity include inducing immune cells to kill tumor cells directly or reverse the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Currently, bacterial antigens synthesized as vaccine candidates by bioengineering technology are novel antitumor immunotherapy. Especially the combination therapy of bacterial vaccine with conventional therapies may further achieve enhanced therapeutic benefits against cancers. However, the clinical translation of bacteria-based immunotherapy is limited for biosafety concerns and non-uniform production standards. In this review, we aim to summarize immunotherapy strategies based on advanced bacterial therapeutics and discuss their potential for cancer management, we will also propose approaches for optimizing bacteria-based immunotherapy for facilitating clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug, Changsha, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yucheng Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug, Changsha, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenjie Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug, Changsha, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xinyan Hao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug, Changsha, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yongjiang Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug, Changsha, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Si Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug, Changsha, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Daxiong Xiang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug, Changsha, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Junyong Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug, Changsha, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
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Tumas S, Meldgaard TS, Vaaben TH, Suarez Hernandez S, Rasmussen AT, Vazquez-Uribe R, Hadrup SR, Sommer MOA. Engineered E. coli Nissle 1917 for delivery of bioactive IL-2 for cancer immunotherapy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12506. [PMID: 37532747 PMCID: PMC10397246 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39365-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study we performed a step-wise optimization of biologically active IL-2 for delivery using E. coli Nissle 1917. Engineering of the strain was coupled with an in vitro cell assay to measure the biological activity of microbially produced IL-2 (mi-IL2). Next, we assessed the immune modulatory potential of mi-IL2 using a 3D tumor spheroid model demonstrating a strong effect on immune cell activation. Finally, we evaluated the anticancer properties of the engineered strain in a murine CT26 tumor model. The engineered strain was injected intravenously and selectively colonized tumors. The treatment was well-tolerated, and tumors of treated mice showed a modest reduction in tumor growth rate, as well as significantly elevated levels of IL-2 in the tumor. This work demonstrates a workflow for researchers interested in engineering E. coli Nissle for a new class of microbial therapy against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarunas Tumas
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Troels Holger Vaaben
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | | | - Ruben Vazquez-Uribe
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sine Reker Hadrup
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Morten O A Sommer
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark.
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Liu Z, Hong L, Ling Z. Potential role of intratumor bacteria outside the gastrointestinal tract: More than passengers. Cancer Med 2023; 12:16756-16773. [PMID: 37377377 PMCID: PMC10501248 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tumor-associated bacteria and gut microbiota have gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential role in cancer development and therapeutic response. This review aims to discuss the contributions of intratumor bacteria outside the gastrointestinal tract, in addition to exploring the mechanisms, functions, and implications of these bacteria in cancer therapy. METHODS We reviewed current literature on intratumor bacteria and their impact on tumorigenesis, progression, metastasis, drug resistance, and anti-tumor immune modulation. Additionally, we examined techniques used to detect intratumor bacteria, precautions necessary when handling low microbial biomass tumor samples, and the recent progress in bacterial manipulation for tumor treatment. RESULTS Research indicates that each type of cancer uniquely interacts with its microbiome, and bacteria can be detected even in non-gastrointestinal tumors with low bacterial abundance. Intracellular bacteria have the potential to regulate tumor cells' biological behavior and contribute to critical aspects of tumor development. Furthermore, bacterial-based anti-tumor therapies have shown promising results in cancer treatment. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the complex interactions between intratumor bacteria and tumor cells could lead to the development of more precise cancer treatment strategies. Further research into non-gastrointestinal tumor-associated bacteria is needed to identify new therapeutic approaches and expand our knowledge of the microbiota's role in cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Liu
- Zhejiang Cancer Institute, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of SciencesHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Lian‐Lian Hong
- Zhejiang Cancer Institute, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of SciencesHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Zhi‐Qiang Ling
- Zhejiang Cancer Institute, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of SciencesHangzhouZhejiangChina
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11
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Kubiak AM, de Laak JV, Zhang Y, Bailey TS, Claessen L, Hittmeyer P, Vlaswinkel C, Mowday A, Dubois LJ, Theys J. Clostridia as live biotherapeutics: can modified Clostridium species enhance disease treatments? Future Microbiol 2023; 18:385-388. [PMID: 37218518 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2022-0220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alekandra M Kubiak
- Department of Precision Medicine, The M-Lab, GROW - School of Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6200, MD, The Netherlands
- Exomnis Biotech BV, Maastricht, 6229, EV, The Netherlands
| | - Jella van de Laak
- Department of Precision Medicine, The M-Lab, GROW - School of Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6200, MD, The Netherlands
| | - Yanchao Zhang
- Department of Precision Medicine, The M-Lab, GROW - School of Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6200, MD, The Netherlands
| | - Tom S Bailey
- Department of Precision Medicine, The M-Lab, GROW - School of Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6200, MD, The Netherlands
| | - Luuk Claessen
- Department of Precision Medicine, The M-Lab, GROW - School of Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6200, MD, The Netherlands
| | - Philip Hittmeyer
- Department of Precision Medicine, The M-Lab, GROW - School of Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6200, MD, The Netherlands
| | - Carlijn Vlaswinkel
- Department of Precision Medicine, The M-Lab, GROW - School of Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6200, MD, The Netherlands
| | - Alexsandra Mowday
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Ludwig J Dubois
- Department of Precision Medicine, The M-Lab, GROW - School of Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6200, MD, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Theys
- Department of Precision Medicine, The M-Lab, GROW - School of Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6200, MD, The Netherlands
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Zhang Y, Bailey TS, Kubiak AM, Lambin P, Theys J. Heterologous Gene Regulation in Clostridia: Rationally Designed Gene Regulation for Industrial and Medical Applications. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:3817-3828. [PMID: 36265075 PMCID: PMC9680021 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Several species from the Clostridium genus show promise as industrial solvent producers and cancer therapeutic delivery vehicles. Previous development of shuttle plasmids and genome editing tools has aided the study of these species and enabled their exploitation in industrial and medical applications. Nevertheless, the precise control of gene expression is still hindered by the limited range of characterized promoters. To address this, libraries of promoters (native and synthetic), 5' UTRs, and alternative start codons were constructed. These constructs were tested in Escherichia coli K-12, Clostridium sporogenes NCIMB 10696, and Clostridium butyricum DSM 10702, using β-glucuronidase (gusA) as a gene reporter. Promoter activity was corroborated using a second gene reporter, nitroreductase (nmeNTR) from Neisseria meningitides. A strong correlation was observed between the two reporters. In C. sporogenes and C. butyricum, respectively, changes in GusA activity between the weakest and strongest expressing levels were 129-fold and 78-fold. Similar results were obtained with the nmeNTR. Using the GusA reporter, translation initiation from six alternative (non-AUG) start codons was measured in E. coli, C. sporogenes, and C. butyricum. Clearly, species-specific differences between clostridia and E. coli in translation initiation were observed, and the performance of the start codons was influenced by the upstream 5' UTR sequence. These results highlight a new opportunity for gene control in recombinant clostridia. To demonstrate the value of these results, expression of the sacB gene from Bacillus subtilis was optimized for use as a novel negative selection marker in C. butyricum. In summary, these results indicate improvements in the understanding of heterologous gene regulation in Clostridium species and E. coli cloning strains. This new knowledge can be utilized for rationally designed gene regulation in Clostridium-mediated industrial and medical applications, as well as fundamental research into the biology of Clostridium species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchao Zhang
- The
M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School of Oncology
and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands,
| | - Tom S. Bailey
- The
M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School of Oncology
and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Aleksandra M. Kubiak
- The
M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School of Oncology
and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands,Exomnis
Biotech BV, Oxfordlaan
55, 6229 EV Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Philippe Lambin
- The
M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School of Oncology
and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Theys
- The
M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School of Oncology
and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
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