Engineering bacteria to modulate host metabolism

The microbial community of the gut, collectively termed the gut microbiota, modulates both host metabolism and disease development in a variety of clinical contexts. The microbiota can have detrimental effects and be involved in disease development and progression, but it can also offer benefits to the host. This has led in the last years to the development of different therapeutic strategies targeting the microbiota. In this review, we will focus on one of these strategies that involve the use of engineered bacteria to modulate gut microbiota in the treatment of metabolic disorders. We will discuss the recent developments and challenges in the use of these bacterial strains with an emphasis on their use for the treatment of metabolic diseases.

Automated summary

The gut microbiota, composed of various microorganisms, has a significant impact on host metabolism and disease development. It can either have harmful effects or provide benefits to the host. Recently, therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiota, such as the use of engineered bacteria, have been developed to modulate the microbiota for the treatment of metabolic disorders.