METHODS AND COMPOSITION FOR DELIVERING NUCLEIC ACIDS AND/OR PROTEINS TO THE INTESTINAL MUCOSA

摘要

Methods and compositions are provided for in vivo heterologous nucleic acid delivery using genetically modified microflora. Specifically, compositions and related methods for the delivery of heterologous nucleic acids to the intestinal mucosa of animals are provided. Specifically, generically modified microflora are used to deliver transforming heterologous nucleic acids directly, or genetically modified microflora expressing at least one heterologous nucleic acid are provided. Representative microflora include bacteria, bacterial fusions, and yeast. The heterologous nucleic acid may encode for immunoprotective epitopes (antigens) or other gene therapy applications.