Gut Microbiota-Based Immunotherapy: Engineered Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 for Oral Delivery of Glypican-1 in Pancreatic Cancer

Background and Objectives: The administration of oral vaccines offers a potential strategy for cancer immunotherapy; yet, the development of effective platforms continues to pose a difficulty. This study examines Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) as a microbial vector for the precise delivery of Glypican-1 (GPC1), a tumor-associated antigen significantly overexpressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).To evaluate the effectiveness of EcN as a vector for the delivery of GPC1 and assess its potential as an oral vaccination platform for cancer immunotherapy. Materials and Methods: EcN was genetically modified to produce a GPC1-flagellin fusion protein (GPC1-FL) to augment antigen immunogenicity. The expression and stability of GPC1 were confirmed in modified PANC02 cells using Western blot and flow cytometry, indicating that GPC1 expression did not influence tumor cell growth. A mouse model was employed to test immunogenicity post-oral delivery, measuring systemic IgG, IL-10, IL-2, and IFN-γ levels to indicate immune activation. Results: Oral immunization with EcN GPC1-FL elicited a robust systemic immune response, demonstrated by markedly increased levels of IgG and IL-10. IL-2 and IFN-γ concentrations were elevated in vaccinated mice relative to controls; however, the differences lacked statistical significance. Western blot examination of fecal samples verified consistent antigen expression in the gastrointestinal tract, indicating effective bacterial colonization and antigen retention. No detrimental impacts were noted, hence substantiating the safety of this methodology. Conclusions: These findings confirm EcN as a feasible and patient-friendly oral vaccination platform for cancer immunotherapy. The effective production of GPC1 in tumor cells, along with continuous antigen delivery and immune activation, underscores the promise of this approach for PDAC and other cancers. This study promotes microbial-based antigen delivery as a scalable, non-invasive substitute for traditional vaccine platforms.