Abstract: Lactococcus lactis strains with improved preservation characteristics, and improved acid and bile salt tolerance are disclosed. More specifically, a L. lactis strain having a heterologous trehalose-6-phosphate synthase gene and/or a trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase gene, results in an accumulation of trehalose in the cytoplasm and/or in the cytoplasmic membrane. A L. lactis strain, having an internal trehalose concentration of at least 10 mg per gram cells (w/w) is disclosed.

Abstract: Lactococcus lactis strains with improved preservation characteristics, and improved acid and bile salt tolerance are disclosed. More specifically, a L. lactis strain having a heterologous trehalose-6-phosphate synthase gene and/or a trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase gene, results in an accumulation of trehalose in the cytoplasm and/or in the cytoplasmic membrane. A L. lactis strain, having an internal trehalose concentration of at least 10 mg per gram cells (w/w) is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention comprises the discovery and development of an effective cryoprotectant composition, without containing skim milk or any other animal-derived compounds, to achieve long-term stability of freeze-dried lactic acid bacteria (LAB), at different temperatures, whereby the retention of viability of the freeze-dried LAB after 6 months of storage, preferably after 9 months of storage, more preferably after 12 months of storage is more than 50%. The invention is in the field of producing freeze dried bacteria, in particular Lactic acid bacteria. More in particular, the invention relates to the use of a novel combination of cryoprotectants for increasing the viability of bacteria after freeze drying, improving the texture of the lyofilized cake for easy grinding and improving the long term stability of the freeze dried bacteria at different temperature conditions. The invention further relates to such freeze dried bacteria for use in food industry or in human or animal health applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the induction of tolerance to antigens, by mucosal, preferably oral delivery of the antigen in combination with an immunomodulating compound producing micro-organism. More specifically, the invention relates to the induction of Foxp3+ and/or IL-10 and/or TGF-? producing regulatory T-cells, capable of suppressing undesired immune responses toward an antigen, by oral delivery of said antigen in combination with an immunosuppressing cytokine secreting micro-organism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the induction of tolerance to antigens, by mucosal, preferably oral delivery of the antigen in combination with an immunomodulating compound producing micro-organism. More specifically, the invention relates to the induction of Foxp3+ and/or IL-10 and/or TGF-? producing regulatory T-cells, capable of suppressing undesired immune responses toward an antigen, by oral delivery of said antigen in combination with an immunosuppressing cytokine secreting micro-organism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gram positive bacterium, preferably a lactic acid bacterium (LAB) or Bifidobacterium, with increased stress resistance and/or improved manufacturing, processing and/or storage characteristics. In particular, the invention relates to a gram positive bacterium which accumulate intracellular trehalose. The gram positive bacterium according to the invention lack trehalose 6-phosphate phosphorylase (TrePP) activity. The gram positive bacterium may further lack cellobiose-specific PTS system IIC component (ptcC) activity. The gram positive bacterium may further overexpress trehalose transporters. The invention further relates to compositions comprising such gram positive bacterium as well as methods and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gram positive bacteria with increased stress resistance and/or improved storage characteristics. In particular, the invention relates to gram positive bacterium which accumulate intracellular trehalose. The gram positive bacterium according to the invention lack cellobiose-specific PTS system IIC component (PtcC) activity. The gram positive bacterium may further lack trehalose 6-phosphate phosphorylase (TrePP) activity. The gram positive bacterium may further overexpress trehalose transporters. The invention further relates to compositions comprising such gram positive bacterium as well as methods and uses thereof.