Probiotic Associated Therapeutic Curli Hybrids (PATCH)

There is an unmet need for new treatment methods for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can reliably maintain remission without leading to detrimental side effects. Beneficial bacteria have been utilized as an alternative treatment for IBD albeit with low efficacy. We genetically engineered Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) to create an anti-inflammatory fibrous matrix in situ. This matrix consists of EcN-produced curli nanofibers displaying trefoil factors (TFFs), known to promote intestinal barrier function and epithelial restitution. We confirmed that engineered EcN was able to secrete the curli-fused TFFs in vitro and in vivo, and was non-pathogenic. We observed an enhanced protective effect of engineered EcN against dextran sodium sulfate induced colitis in mice, associated with barrier function reinforcement and immunomodulation. This work sets the foundation for the development of a novel therapeutic platform in which the in situ production of a therapeutic protein matrix from beneficial bacteria can be exploited.