Genetically Engineered Microorganisms and Their Impact on Human Health

Figure 2

Medical applications for genetically engineered bacteria (GEB). Infectious disease: GEB can combat bacterial infections by (1) the release of toxins and toxins neutralization and (2) the production of QS components that lead to the expression of surface adhesion preventing pathogenic colonization and production of antimicrobial factors mediating bacterial killing. Also, GEB can be designed to secret antibody-like fragments to prevent pathogenic bacterial adhesion to host cells. Metabolic disorders: GEB can release antibody fragments against pro-inflammatory cytokines, anti-inflammatory cytokines, antioxidants, or certain enzymes. Cancer: GEB (1) can accumulate and replicate in cancerous cells and subsequently express certain bacterial toxins, the converting enzymes, pro-cytokines, and apoptosis inducer molecules. (2) GEB can harbor plasmid encoding shRNA for silencing genes after transformation into cancerous cells. Vaccination: GEB (1) can promote immune cell recognition and uptake of antigens through the expression of intracellular/ surface antigens via bacteria chassis as an adjuvant, (2) designing and engineering an antigen by dendritic cells-targeting peptides, and (3) packaging antigen into the outer membrane vesicles for enhancing immune cell recognition and uptake of recombinant antigen.