Dual functionalized lactic acid bacteria with tumor antigen targeting and cytokine binding ability

• Post by: Ana Mitrović
• 20.February, 2022
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A paper entitled »Dual Functionalized Lactococcus lactis Shows Tumor Antigen Targeting and Cytokine Binding in Vitro« (IF = 6.06) was published by the members of the Department Abida Zahirović, Tina Vida Plavec and Aleš Berlec in the Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology. Lactococcus lactis bacteria with dual functionality were developed by displaying two distinct bioactive moieties on the bacterial surface. The surface display of EpCAM- or HER2-binding proteins enabled selective targeting of the cells overexpressing tumor antigens, while the attachment of the IL-8- or IL-6-binding proteins to the L. lactis surface provided the bacteria with cytokine removal capacity. Chronic inflammation driven by pro-inflammatory cytokines is an important risk factor for development and progression of colorectal cancer. Tumor-targeting bacteria that can capture pro-inflammatory cytokines from the tumor microenvironment and thus block their tumor-promoting effects represent a promising alternative therapeutic approach for inflammation-associated colorectal cancer. The paper can be accessed at https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2022.822823/full.