In vivo transfer of plasmid from food-grade transiting lactococci to murine epithelial cells

Gene Ther. 2008 Aug;15(16):1184-90. doi: 10.1038/gt.2008.59. Epub 2008 Apr 17.

Abstract

We recently demonstrated that noninvasive food-grade Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) can deliver eukaryotic expression plasmid in mammalian cells in vitro. Here, we evaluated, in vivo, whether a eukaryotic expression plasmid carried by lactococci can translocate to the epithelial cells of the intestinal membrane. The strain LL(pLIG:BLG1) carrying one plasmid containing a eukaryotic expression cassette encoding beta-lactoglobulin (BLG), a major allergen of cow's milk, was orally administered by gavage to mice. BLG cDNA was detected in the epithelial membrane of the small intestine of 40% of the mice and BLG was produced in 53% of the mice. Oral administration of LL(pLIG:BLG1) induced a low and transitory Th1-type immune response counteracting a Th2 response in case of further sensitization. We demonstrated for the first time the transfer of a functional plasmid to the epithelial membrane of the small intestine in mice by noninvasive food-grade lactococci.

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / genetics
  • Allergens / immunology
  • Animals
  • Bacterial Translocation*
  • Cattle
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Feces / chemistry
  • Female
  • Genetic Therapy / methods*
  • Immunoglobulin A / analysis
  • Immunoglobulin E / analysis
  • Immunoglobulin G / analysis
  • Intestine, Small
  • Lactococcus lactis / physiology*
  • Lactoglobulins / genetics
  • Lactoglobulins / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Milk Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Milk Hypersensitivity / therapy*
  • Models, Animal
  • Plasmids*
  • Th1 Cells / immunology
  • Th2 Cells / immunology

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Lactoglobulins
  • Immunoglobulin E