Treatment of recurrent bacterial vaginosis using engineered probiotic bacteria

Our objective is to develop a probiotic bacterium designed for preventative
removal of G. vaginalis from the vaginal environment. Upon vaginal administration
by the patient at key trigger points (i.e. menstruation), the bacterium would:
1. First sense the presence of any G. vaginalis through specialist sensors
(biosensors). These sensors detect chemical signatures associated with G.
vaginalis/BV.
2. If G. vaginalis/BV is sensed, our bacterium would produce and release our
endolysin into the environment, removing its presence.
Main Focus
5/20/22, 12:31 PM Print Application - Innovation Funding Service
https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/application/10035355/print 4/32
We will select an appropriate probiotic bacterium (Lactobacillus) and genetically
introduce previously identified biosensor circuitry. We will demonstrate this
engineered bacterium's ability to: i) sense the presence of G. vaginalis/BV, ii)
produce and release endolysins in response, and iii) kill G. vaginalis effectively in
complex, representative models of the vagina.