Incorporation of the HIV-1 microbicide cyanovirin-N in a food product

J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2011 Dec 1;58(4):379-84. doi: 10.1097/QAI.0b013e31823643fe.

Abstract

An urgent need exists for HIV-1 microbicides. Here, we describe the in vivo testing of lactic acid bacteria bioengineered to secrete cyanovirin-N. We fed pigtail macaques a yogurt formulation that used bioengineered strains as a starter culture. Cyanovirin-N expression could be detected in the rectal vault during and immediately after feeding. Ex vivo viral challenge of rectal tissue biopsies revealed that peak viral burden was significantly lower in tissue obtained from experimental animals compared with control animals. Formulation of candidate compounds in lactic acid bacteria and their oral administration seems to be a feasible strategy for mucosal delivery of microbicides.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-HIV Agents / administration & dosage
  • Bacterial Proteins / administration & dosage*
  • Carrier Proteins / administration & dosage*
  • Feces / chemistry
  • Feces / virology
  • Female
  • Food Additives / administration & dosage*
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV-1 / drug effects
  • Macaca nemestrina
  • Rectum / chemistry
  • Rectum / drug effects
  • Rectum / virology
  • Virus Replication / drug effects
  • Yogurt*

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Food Additives
  • cyanovirin N