1
|
Zhang Y, Bailey TS, Hittmeyer P, Dubois LJ, Theys J, Lambin P. Multiplex genetic manipulations in Clostridium butyricum and Clostridium sporogenes to secrete recombinant antigen proteins for oral-spore vaccination. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:119. [PMID: 38659027 PMCID: PMC11040787 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02389-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clostridium spp. has demonstrated therapeutic potential in cancer treatment through intravenous or intratumoral administration. This approach has expanded to include non-pathogenic clostridia for the treatment of various diseases, underscoring the innovative concept of oral-spore vaccination using clostridia. Recent advancements in the field of synthetic biology have significantly enhanced the development of Clostridium-based bio-therapeutics. These advancements are particularly notable in the areas of efficient protein overexpression and secretion, which are crucial for the feasibility of oral vaccination strategies. Here, we present two examples of genetically engineered Clostridium candidates: one as an oral cancer vaccine and the other as an antiviral oral vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS Using five validated promoters and a signal peptide derived from Clostridium sporogenes, a series of full-length NY-ESO-1/CTAG1, a promising cancer vaccine candidate, expression vectors were constructed and transformed into C. sporogenes and Clostridium butyricum. Western blotting analysis confirmed efficient expression and secretion of NY-ESO-1 in clostridia, with specific promoters leading to enhanced detection signals. Additionally, the fusion of a reported bacterial adjuvant to NY-ESO-1 for improved immune recognition led to the cloning difficulties in E. coli. The use of an AUU start codon successfully mitigated potential toxicity issues in E. coli, enabling the secretion of recombinant proteins in C. sporogenes and C. butyricum. We further demonstrate the successful replacement of PyrE loci with high-expression cassettes carrying NY-ESO-1 and adjuvant-fused NY-ESO-1, achieving plasmid-free clostridia capable of secreting the antigens. Lastly, the study successfully extends its multiplex genetic manipulations to engineer clostridia for the secretion of SARS-CoV-2-related Spike_S1 antigens. CONCLUSIONS This study successfully demonstrated that C. butyricum and C. sporogenes can produce the two recombinant antigen proteins (NY-ESO-1 and SARS-CoV-2-related Spike_S1 antigens) through genetic manipulations, utilizing the AUU start codon. This approach overcomes challenges in cloning difficult proteins in E. coli. These findings underscore the feasibility of harnessing commensal clostridia for antigen protein secretion, emphasizing the applicability of non-canonical translation initiation across diverse species with broad implications for medical or industrial biotechnology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanchao Zhang
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands.
| | - Tom S Bailey
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands
| | - Philip Hittmeyer
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands
- LivingMed Biotech BV, Clos Chanmurly 13, Liège, 4000, Belgium
| | - Ludwig J Dubois
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Theys
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands
| | - Philippe Lambin
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Theys J, Patterson AV, Mowday AM. Clostridium Bacteria: Harnessing Tumour Necrosis for Targeted Gene Delivery. Mol Diagn Ther 2024; 28:141-151. [PMID: 38302842 PMCID: PMC10925577 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-024-00695-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Necrosis is a common feature of solid tumours that offers a unique opportunity for targeted cancer therapy as it is absent from normal healthy tissues. Tumour necrosis provides an ideal environment for germination of the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium from endospores, resulting in tumour-specific colonisation. Two main species, Clostridium novyi-NT and Clostridium sporogenes, are at the forefront of this therapy, showing promise in preclinical models. However, anti-tumour activity is modest when used as a single agent, encouraging development of Clostridium as a tumour-selective gene delivery system. Various methods, such as allele-coupled exchange and CRISPR-cas9 technology, can facilitate the genetic modification of Clostridium, allowing chromosomal integration of transgenes to ensure long-term stability of expression. Strains of Clostridium can be engineered to express prodrug-activating enzymes, resulting in the generation of active drug selectively in the tumour microenvironment (a concept termed Clostridium-directed enzyme prodrug therapy). More recently, Clostridium strains have been investigated in the context of cancer immunotherapy, either in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors or with engineered strains expressing immunomodulatory molecules such as IL-2 and TNF-α. Localised expression of these molecules using tumour-targeting Clostridium strains has the potential to improve delivery and reduce systemic toxicity. In summary, Clostridium species represent a promising platform for cancer therapy, with potential for localised gene delivery and immunomodulation selectively within the tumour microenvironment. The ongoing clinical progress being made with C. novyi-NT, in addition to developments in genetic modification techniques and non-invasive imaging capabilities, are expected to further progress Clostridium as an option for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Theys
- M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School of Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Adam V Patterson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Alexandra M Mowday
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wan S, Lai M, Gao X, Zhou M, Yang S, Li Q, Li F, Xia L, Tan Y. Recent progress in engineering Clostridium autoethanogenum to synthesize the biochemicals and biocommodities. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2024; 9:19-25. [PMID: 38205027 PMCID: PMC10776380 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Excessive mining and utilization fossil fuels has led to drastic environmental consequences, which will contribute to global warming and cause further climate change with severe consequences for the human population. The magnitude of these challenges requires several approaches to develop sustainable alternatives for chemicals and fuels production. In this context, biological processes, mainly microbial fermentation, have gained particular interest. For example, autotrophic gas-fermenting acetogenic bacteria are capable of converting CO, CO2 and H2 into biomass and multiple metabolites through Wood-Ljungdahl pathway, which can be exploited for large-scale fermentation processes to sustainably produce bulk biochemicals and biofuels (e.g. acetate and ethanol) from syngas. Clostridium autoethanogenum is one representative of these chemoautotrophic bacteria and considered as the model for the gas fermentation. Recently, the development of synthetic biology toolbox for this strain has enabled us to study and genetically improve their metabolic capability in gas fermentation. In this review, we will summarize the recent progress involved in the understanding of physiological mechanism and strain engineering for C. autoethanogenum, and provide our perspectives on the future development about the basic biology and engineering biology of this strain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sai Wan
- Qingdao C1 Refinery Engineering Research Center, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, China
| | - Mingchi Lai
- Qingdao C1 Refinery Engineering Research Center, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, China
- School of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong, China
| | - Xinyu Gao
- Qingdao C1 Refinery Engineering Research Center, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, China
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, Shandong, China
| | - Mingxin Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Shenzhen Powered Carbon Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Song Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong, China
| | - Qiang Li
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, Shandong, China
| | - Fuli Li
- Qingdao C1 Refinery Engineering Research Center, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, China
| | - Lin Xia
- Shenzhen Powered Carbon Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yang Tan
- Qingdao C1 Refinery Engineering Research Center, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mowday AM, van de Laak JM, Fu Z, Henare KL, Dubois L, Lambin P, Theys J, Patterson AV. Tumor-targeting bacteria as immune stimulants - the future of cancer immunotherapy? Crit Rev Microbiol 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38346140 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2311653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapies have been widely hailed as a breakthrough for cancer treatment in the last decade, epitomized by the unprecedented results observed with checkpoint blockade. Even so, only a minority of patients currently achieve durable remissions. In general, responsive patients appear to have either a high number of tumor neoantigens, a preexisting immune cell infiltrate in the tumor microenvironment, or an 'immune-active' transcriptional profile, determined in part by the presence of a type I interferon gene signature. These observations suggest that the therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy can be enhanced through strategies that release tumor neoantigens and/or produce a pro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment. In principle, exogenous tumor-targeting bacteria offer a unique solution for improving responsiveness to immunotherapy. This review discusses how tumor-selective bacterial infection can modulate the immunological microenvironment of the tumor and the potential for combination with cancer immunotherapy strategies to further increase therapeutic efficacy. In addition, we provide a perspective on the clinical translation of replicating bacterial therapies, with a focus on the challenges that must be resolved to ensure a successful outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Mowday
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jella M van de Laak
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW-Research School of Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Zhe Fu
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Kimiora L Henare
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ludwig Dubois
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW-Research School of Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Philippe Lambin
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW-Research School of Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Theys
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW-Research School of Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Adam V Patterson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|