Modes of therapeutic delivery in synthetic microbiology

For decades, bacteria have been exploited as vectors for vaccines and therapeu-tics. However, the bacterial arsenal used has historically been limited to a few strains. Advancements in immunology, combined with the development of genetic tools, have expanded our strategies and capabilities to engineer bacteria using various delivery strategies. Depending on the application, each delivery strategy requires specific considerations, optimization, and safety concerns. Here, we review various modes of therapeutic delivery used to target or vaccinate against a variety of ailments in preclinical models and in clinical trials. We highlight modes of bacteria-derived delivery best suited for different applications. Finally, we discuss current obstacles in bacteria-derived therapies and explore potential improvements of the various modes of therapeutic delivery.

Automated summary

Bacteria have been used as vectors for vaccines and therapies for decades, but the diversity of strains used has been limited. Advances in immunology and genetic tools have expanded our ability to engineer bacteria using various delivery strategies. Each delivery strategy requires specific considerations, optimization, and safety concerns depending on the application.