;
• Hans, Wolfgang
;
• Schotte, Lieven
;
• Neirynck, Sabine
;
• Obermeier, Florian
;
• Falk, Werner
;
• Fiers, Walter
;
• Remaut, Erik

Abstract

The cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) has shown promise in clinical trials for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Using two mouse models, we show that the therapeutic dose of IL-10 can be reduced by localized delivery of a bacterium genetically engineered to secrete the cytokine. Intragastric administration of IL-10-secreting Lactococcus lactis caused a 50% reduction in colitis in mice treated with dextran sulfate sodium and prevented the onset of colitis in IL-10^-/- mice. This approach may lead to better methods for cost-effective and long-term management of IBD in humans.