Abstract: The present disclosure provides genetically modified microorganisms (e.g., bacteria or yeast) with enhanced mucin-binding and/or cell-adhesion properties. For example, the present disclosure provides bacteria exhibiting increased in vitro binding to Caco-2 cells, and increased in vitro binding to mucins. Such microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) can be used, e.g., to deliver bioactive polypeptides to the gastrointestinal tract of a mammalian subject. Modifying the microorganism in the described manner allows for the modulation of gastrointestinal retention and transit times for the microorganism (e.g., bacterium). Exemplary microorganisms (e.g., lactic acid bacteria, such as Lactococcus lactis) contain an exogenous nucleic acid encoding a fusion protein containing a cell-adherence polypeptide, such as CmbA, and a mucin-binding polypeptide, such as a trefoil factor (TFF), e.g., human TFF3. The current disclosure further provides method for making and using the described microorganisms (e.g., bacteria).

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in mammalian subjects. The compositions include lactic acid fermenting bacteria (LAB) expressing an IL-2 gene and a T1D-specific self-antigen (e.g., proinsulin (PINS)) gene. Exemplary methods include: orally administering to a mammalian subject, a therapeutically effective amount of the composition. The composition can be administered to the subject mucosally, resulting in delivery of the LAB into the gastrointestinal tract, where the LAB is released. Bioactive polypeptides expressed by the LAB are thus administered via mucosal delivery. The LAB may be selected to deliver a low-dose of IL-2 to the subject. The methods may not require concomitant systemic anti-CD3 antibody treatment. The methods may be suited for subjects possessing residual beta-cell function, e.g., those with recent-onset T1D.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in mammalian subjects. The compositions include lactic acid fermenting bacteria (LAB) expressing an IL-2 gene and a T1D-specific self-antigen (e.g., proinsulin (PINS)) gene. Exemplary methods include: orally administering to a mammalian subject, a therapeutically effective amount of the composition. The composition can be administered to the subject mucosally, resulting in delivery of the LAB into the gastrointestinal tract, where the LAB is released. Bioactive polypeptides expressed by the LAB are thus administered via mucosal delivery. The LAB may be selected to deliver a low-dose of IL-2 to the subject. The methods may not require concomitant systemic anti-CD3 antibody treatment. The methods may be suited for subjects possessing residual beta-cell function, e.g., those with recent-onset T1D.

Abstract: The current disclosure provides microorganisms, such as lactic acid bacteria (e.g., Lactococcus lactis) containing an exogenous nucleic acid encoding an IL-10 polypeptide and an exogenous nucleic acid encoding a T1D-specific antigen (e.g., a proinsulin) polypeptide, wherein both exogenous nucleic acids are integrated into the bacterial chromosome. Such microbial strains are suitable for human therapy. The disclosure further provides compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions) methods of using the microorganisms and compositions, e.g., for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D), including those with residual beta-cell function, e.g., recent-onset T1D. The microorganism may be administered orally, delivers the microorganism into the gastrointestinal tract, where it is released and expresses the bioactive polypeptides. The methods of the present disclosure are particularly well suited for subjects possessing residual beta-cell function, e.g., for subjects with recent-onset T1D.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in mammalian subjects. The compositions include lactic acid fermenting bacteria (LAB) expressing an IL-2 gene and a TID-specific self-antigen (e.g., proinsulin (PINS)) gene. Exemplary methods include: orally administering to a mammalian subject, a therapeutically effective amount of the composition. The composition can be administered to the subject mucosally, resulting in delivery of the LAB into the gastrointestinal tract, where the LAB is released. Bioactive polypeptides expressed by the LAB are thus administered via mucosal delivery. The LAB may be selected to deliver a low-dose of IL-2 to the subject. The methods may not require concomitant systemic anti-CD3 antibody treatment. The methods may be suited for subjects possessing residual beta-cell function, e.g., those with recent-onset T1D.

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 disclosure provides genetically modified microorganisms (e.g., bacteria or yeast) with enhanced mucin-binding and/or cell-adhesion properties. For example, the present disclosure provides bacteria exhibiting increased in vitro binding to Caco-2 cells, and increased in vitro binding to mucins. Such microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) can be used, e.g., to deliver bioactive polypeptides to the gastrointestinal tract of a mammalian subject. Modifying the microorganism in the described manner allows for the modulation of gastrointestinal retention and transit times for the microorganism (e.g., bacterium). Exemplary microorganisms (e.g., lactic acid bacteria, such as Lactococcus lactis) contain an exogenous nucleic acid encoding a fusion protein containing a cell-adherence polypeptide, such as CmbA, and a mucin-binding polypeptide, such as a trefoil factor (TFF), e.g., human TFF3. The current disclosure further provides method for making and using the described microorganisms (e.g., bacteria).

Abstract: The current disclosure provides microorganisms, such as lactic acid bacteria (e.g., Lactococcus lactis) containing an exogenous nucleic acid encoding an IL-10 polypeptide and an exogenous nucleic acid encoding a T1D-specific antigen (e.g., a proinsulin) polypeptide, wherein both exogenous nucleic acids are integrated into the bacterial chromosome. Such microbial strains are suitable for human therapy. The disclosure further provides compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions) methods of using the microorganisms and compositions, e.g., for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D), including those with residual beta-cell function, e.g., recent-onset T1D. The microorganism may be administered orally, delivers the microorganism into the gastrointestinal tract, where it is released and expresses the bioactive polypeptides, The methods of the present disclosure are particularly well suited for subjects possessing residual beta-cell function, e.g., for subjects with recent-onset T1D.

Abstract: Microorganisms are provided, such as lactic acid bacteria (e.g., Lactococcus lactis) containing an exogenous nucleic acid encoding an IL-10 polypeptide and an exogenous nucleic acid encoding a CeD-specific antigen (e.g., a gliadin polypeptide comprising at least one HLA-DQ2 specific epitope, at least one deamidated HLA-DQ2 specific epitope, at least one HLA-DQ8 specific epitope, at least one deamidated HLA-DQ8 specific epitope, or a combination of (a) at least one HLA-DQ2-specific epitope and/or at least one deamidated HLA-DQ2 specific epitope, and (b) at least one HLA-DQ8 specific epitope and/or at least one deamidated HLA-DQ8 specific epitope) polypeptide, wherein both exogenous nucleic acids are integrated into the bacterial chromosome. Such microbial strains are suitable for human therapy. Compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions), methods of using the microorganisms and compositions are provided, e.g., for the treatment of celiac disease (CeD).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides genetically modified microorganisms (e.g., bacteria or yeast) with enhanced mucin-binding and/or cell-adhesion properties. For example, the present disclosure provides bacteria exhibiting increased in vitro binding to Caco-2 cells, and increased in vitro binding to mucins. Such microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) can be used, e.g., to deliver bioactive polypeptides to the gastrointestinal tract of a mammalian subject. Modifying the microorganism in the described manner allows for the modulation of gastrointestinal retention and transit times for the microorganism (e.g., bacterium). Exemplary microorganisms (e.g., lactic acid bacteria, such as Lactococcus lactis) contain an exogenous nucleic acid encoding a fusion protein containing a cell-adherence polypeptide, such as CmbA, and a mucin-binding polypeptide, such as a trefoil factor (TFF), e.g., human TFF3. The current disclosure further provides method for making and using the described microorganisms (e.g., bacteria).

Abstract: The current disclosure provides microorganisms, such as lactic acid bacteria (e.g., Lactococcus lactis) containing an exogenous nucleic acid encoding an IL-10 polypeptide and an exogenous nucleic acid encoding a T1D-specific antigen (e.g., a proinsulin) polypeptide, wherein both exogenous nucleic acids are integrated into the bacterial chromosome. Such microbial strains are suitable for human therapy. The disclosure further provides compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions) methods of using the microorganisms and compositions, e.g., for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D), including those with residual beta-cell function, e.g., recent-onset T1D. The microorganism may be administered orally, delivers the microorganism into the gastrointestinal tract, where it is released and expresses the bioactive polypeptides, The methods of the present disclosure are particularly well suited for subjects possessing residual beta-cell function, e.g., for subjects with recent-onset T1D.

Abstract: The invention relates to polycistronic expression in gram-positive bacterium and in particular concerns polycistronic expression units comprising one or more gene endogenous to the gram-positive bacterium transcriptionally coupled to one or more genes exogenous to the bacterium.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in mammalian subjects. The compositions include lactic acid fermenting bacteria (LAB) expressing an IL-2 gene and a TID-specific self-antigen (e.g., proinsulin (PINS)) gene. Exemplary methods include: orally administering to a mammalian subject, a therapeutically effective amount of the composition. The composition can be administered to the subject mucosally, resulting in delivery of the LAB into the gastrointestinal tract, where the LAB is released. Bioactive polypeptides expressed by the LAB are thus administered via mucosal delivery. The LAB may be selected to deliver a low-dose of IL-2 to the subject. The methods may not require concomitant systemic anti-CD3 antibody treatment. The methods may be suited for subjects possessing residual beta-cell function, e.g., those with recent-onset T1D.

Abstract: The invention relates to polycistronic expression in gram-positive bacterium and in particular concerns polycistronic expression units comprising one or more gene endogenous to the gram-positive bacterium transcriptionally coupled to one or more genes exogenous to the bacterium.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides genetically modified microorganisms (e.g., bacteria or yeast) with enhanced mucin-binding and/or cell-adhesion properties. For example, the present disclosure provides bacteria exhibiting increased in vitro binding to Caco-2 cells, and increased in vitro binding to mucins. Such microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) can be used, e.g., to deliver bioactive polypeptides to the gastrointestinal tract of a mammalian subject. Modifying the microorganism in the described manner allows for the modulation of gastrointestinal retention and transit times for the microorganism (e.g., bacterium). Exemplary microorganisms (e.g., lactic acid bacteria, such as Lactococcus lactis) contain an exogenous nucleic acid encoding a fusion protein containing a cell-adherence polypeptide, such as CmbA, and a mucin-binding polypeptide, such as a trefoil factor (TFF), e.g., human TFF3. The current disclosure further provides method for making and using the described microorganisms (e.g., bacteria).

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in mammalian subjects. The compositions include lactic acid fermenting bacteria (LAB) expressing an IL-2 gene and a T1D-specific self-antigen (e.g., proinsulin (PINS)) gene. Exemplary methods include: orally administering to a mammalian subject, a therapeutically effective amount of the composition. The composition can be administered to the subject mucosally, resulting in delivery of the LAB into the gastrointestinal tract, where the LAB is released. Bioactive polypeptides expressed by the LAB are thus administered via mucosal delivery. The LAB may be selected to deliver a low-dose of IL-2 to the subject. The methods may not require concomitant systemic anti-CD3 antibody treatment. The methods may be suited for subjects possessing residual beta-cell function, e.g., those with recent-onset T1D.

Abstract: The current disclosure provides microorganisms, such as lactic acid bacteria (e.g., Lactococcus lactis) containing an exogenous nucleic acid encoding an IL-10 polypeptide and an exogenous nucleic acid encoding a T1D-specific antigen (e.g., a proinsulin) polypeptide, wherein both exogenous nucleic acids are integrated into the bacterial chromosome. Such microbial strains are suitable for human therapy. The disclosure further provides compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions) methods of using the microorganisms and compositions, e.g., for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D), including those with residual beta-cell function, e.g., recent-onset T1D. The microorganism may be administered orally, delivers the microorganism into the gastrointestinal tract, where it is released and expresses the bioactive polypeptides, The methods of the present disclosure are particularly well suited for subjects possessing residual beta-cell function, e.g., for subjects with recent-onset T1D.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides genetically modified microorganisms (e.g., bacteria or yeast) with enhanced mucin-binding and/or cell-adhesion properties. For example, the present disclosure provides bacteria exhibiting increased in vitro binding to Caco-2 cells, and increased in vitro binding to mucins. Such microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) can be used, e.g., to deliver bioactive polypeptides to the gastrointestinal tract of a mammalian subject. Modifying the microorganism in the described manner allows for the modulation of gastrointestinal retention and transit times for the microorganism (e.g., bacterium). Exemplary microorganisms (e.g., lactic acid bacteria, such as Lactococcus lactis) contain an exogenous nucleic acid encoding a fusion protein containing a cell-adherence polypeptide, such as CmbA, and a mucin-binding polypeptide, such as a trefoil factor (TFF), e.g., human TFF3. The current disclosure further provides method for making and using the described microorganisms (e.g., bacteria).

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.

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.