IE86044B1 - Probiotic bifidobacteria strains - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT Probiotic Bifidobacterium strain AH1205 or mutants or variants thereof are immunomodulatory following oral consumption and are useful in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of inflammatory activity such as undesirable gastrointestinal inflammatory activity for example inflammatory bowel disease.

Description

Probiotic Bifidobacterium Strains Introduction The invention relates to a_Bifidobacterz‘um strain and its use as a probiotic bacteria in particular as an immunomodulatory biotherapeutic agent.

The defense mechanisms to protect the human gastrointestinal. tract from colonization by intestinal bacteria are highly complex and involve both immunological and non-immunological aspects (1). Innate defense mechanisms include the low pH of the stomach, bile salts, peristalsis, mucin layers and anti-microbial compounds such as lysozyme (2). Immunological mechanisms include specialized lymphoid aggregates, underlying M cells, called peyers patches which are distributed throughout the small intestine and colon _(3). Luminal antigens presented at these sites result ‘in stimulation of appropriate T and B cell subsets withestablishment of cytokine networks and secretion of antibodies into the gastrointestinal tract (4). In addition, antigen presentation may occur via epithelial cells to intraepithelial lymphocytes and to the underlying lamina propria immune cells (5). Therefore, the host invests substantially" in immunological defense of the gastrointestinal tract. However, as the gastrointestinal mucosa is the largest surface at which the host interacts with the external environment, specific control mechanisms must be in place to regulate immune responsiveness to the 100 tons of food which is handled by the gastrointestinal tract over an average lifetime. Furthermore, the gut is colonized by over 500 species of bacteria numbering 101 I-1012/g in the colon. Thus, these control mechanisms must be capable of distinguishing non"-pathogenic adherent bacteria from invasive pathogens, which would cause significant damage to the host. In fact, the intestinal flora contributes to defense of the host by competing with newly ingested potentially pathogenic micro-organisms.

Bacteria present in the human gastrointestinal tract can promote inflammation. Aberrant immune responses to the indigenous microflora have been implicated in certain disease states, such as inflammatory bowel disease. Antigens associated with the normal flora usually lead to immunological tolerance and failure to achieve this tolerance is a major mechanism of mucosal inflammation (6). Evidence for this breakdown in tolerance includes an increase in antibody levels directed against the gut flora in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

The present invention is directed towards a Byidobacterium strain which has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects, by modulating cytokine levels or by antagonizing and excluding pro-inflammatory micro-organisms from thegastrointestinal tract.

Statements of Invention According to the invention there is provided Bzfidobacterium strain AH1205 (N CIMB4 1.3 87) or mutants or variants thereof.

The mutant may be a genetically modified mutant. The variant may be a naturally occurring variant of Bzfidobacterium.

The strain may be a probiotic. It may be in the form of a biologically pure culture.

The invention also provides an isolated strain of Bifidobacterium NCIMB 41387." A In one embodiment of the invention Bzfidobacterium strains are in the form of viable cells.

Alterriatively Bzfodbacterium strains are in the form of non-viable cells.

In one embodiment of the invention the Bzfidobacterium strains are ‘isolated from infant faeces, the Bzfidobacterium strains being significantly immunomodulatory following oral consumption in humans.

The invention also provides a formulation which comprises the Bzfidobacterium strain of the invention.

"In one embodiment of the invention the formulation includes another probiotic material.

In one embodiment of the invention the formulation includes a prebiotic material.

Preferably the formulation includes an ingestable carrier. The ingestable carrier may be a Preferably the ingestable carrier is a food product such as acidified milk, yoghurt, frozen yoghurt, milk powder, pharmaceutically acceptable carrier such as a capsule, tablet or powder. milk concentrate, cheese spreads, dressings or beverages.

In one embodiment of the invention the formulation of the invention further comprises a protein -and/or peptide, in particular proteins and/or peptides that are rich in glutaminel glutamate, a lipid, a carbohydrate, a vitamin, mineral and/or trace element.

In one embodiment of the invention the Bifidobacterium strain is present in the formulation at more than 106 cfii per gram of delivery system. Preferably the formulation includes any one or more of an adjuvant, a bacterial component, a drug entity or a biological compound.

In one embodiment of the invention the formulation is for immunisation and vaccination protocols.

The invention further provides a Bifidobacterium strain or a formulation of the invention for use as foodstuffs, as a medicament, for use in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of undesirable inflammatory activity, for use in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of undesirable respiratory inflammatory activity such as asthma, for use in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of undesirable gastrointestinal inflammatory activity such as inflammatory bowel disease e. g. Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, pouchitis, or post infection colitis, for use in the_ prophylaxis and/or treatment of gastrointestinal cancer(s), for use in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of systemic disease such as rheumatoiduarthritis, for use in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of autoimmune disorders due to undesirable inflammatory activity, for use in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of cancer due to undesirable inflammatory activity, for use in the prophylaxis of cancer, for use in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of diarrhoeal disease due to undesirable inflammatory activity, such as Closrridium diflicile associated diarrhoea, Rotavirus associated diarrhoea or post infective diarrhoea, for use in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of diarrhoeal disease dueto an infections agent, such as E. colt‘.

The invention also provides a Bifidobacterium strain or a formulation of the invention for use in the preparation of an anti-inflammatory biotherapeutic agent for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of undesirable inflammatory activity or for use in the preparation of anti-inflammatory biotherapeutic agents for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of undesirable inflammatory activity.

In one embodiment of the invention the strain of the invention act by antagonising and excluding proinflarnrnatory micro-organisms from the gastrointestinal tract.

The invention also provides a Bifidobacterium strain or formulation of the invention for use in the preparation of anti-inflammatory biotherapeutic agents for reducing the levels of pro- inflammatory cytokines.

The invention further provides a Bzfidobactérium strain for use in the preparation of anti- inflammatory biotherapeutic agents for modifying the levels of IL-10.

The invention also provides for the use of a Bzfidobacterium strain as an anti-infective probiotic due to their ability to antagonise the growth of pathogenic species.

We have found that particular strains of Btjidobacterium elicit immunomodulatory effects in vitro.

The invention is therefore of major potential therapeutic value in the prophylaxis or treatment of dysregulated immune» responses, such as undesirable inflammatory reactions for example asthma. ' Bzfidabacterium are commensal microorganisms. They have been isolated from the microbial flora within the human gastrointestinal tract. The immune system within the gastrointestinal tract cannot have a pronounced reaction to members of this flora, as the resulting inflammatory activity would also destroy host cells and tissue fimction. Therefore, some mechanism(s) exist whereby the immune system can recognize commensal non-pathogenic members of the gastrointestinal flora as being different to pathogenic organisms. This ensures that damage to host tissues is restricted and a defensive barrier is still maintained.

A deposit of Bzfidobacterium longum strain AH1205 was made at the NCIMB on May 11, 2006 i and accorded the accession number NCIMB 41387.

The Bifidobqcterium longum may be a genetically modified mutant or it may be a naturally occurring variant thereof.

Preferably the Bzfidobacterium longum is in the form of viable cells.

Alternatively the Bzfidolbacteriumglongum may be in the form of non-viable cells.

It will be appreciated that the specific Bzfidobacterium strain of the invention may be administered to animals (including humans) in an orally ingestible form in a conventional preparation such as capsules, microcapsules, tablets, granules, powder, troches, pills, suppositories, suspensions and syrups. Suitable formulations may be prepared by methods commonly employed using conventional organic and inorganic additives. The amount of active ingredient in the medical composition may be at a level that will exercise the desired therapeutic effect.

The formulation may also include a bacterial component, a drug entity or a biological compound.

In addition a vaccine comprising the strains of the invention may beprepared using any suitable known method and may include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrieror adj uvant.

Throughout the specification the terms mutant, variant and genetically modified mutant include a strain of Bifidobacteria whose genetic and/or phenotypic properties are altered compared to the parent strain. Naturally. occurring variant of Bzfidobacterium longum includes the spontaneous alterations of targeted properties selectively isolated. Deliberate alteration of parent strain properties is accomplished by conventional (in vitro) genetic. manipulation technologies, such as gene disruption, conjugative ' transfer, etc. Genetic modification includes introduction of exogenous and/"or endogenous DNA sequences into the genome of a Bifidobacteria strain, for example by insertion into the genome of the bacterial strain by vectors, including plasmid DNA, or bacteriophages.

Natural or induced mutations include at least single base alterations such as deletion, insertion, transversion or other DNA modifications which may result in alteration of the amino acid sequence encoded by the DNA sequence.

The terms mutant, variant and genetically modified mutant also include a strain of Bifidobacteria that has undergone genetic alterations that accumulate in a genome at a rate which is consistent in nature for all micro-organisms and/or genetic alterations which occur through spontaneous ' mutation and/or acquisition of genes and/or loss of genes which is not achieved by deliberate (in vitro) manipulation of the genome but is achieved through the natural selection of variants and/or mutants that provide a selective advantage tosupport the survival of the bacterium when exposed to environmental pressures such as antibiotics. A mutant can be created by the deliberate (in vitro) insertion of specific genes into the genome which do not fundamentally alter the biochemical functionality of the organism but whose products can be used for identification or ' selection of the bacterium, for example antibiotic resistance.

A person skilled in the art would appreciate that mutant or variant strains of Bifidobacteria can Strains of Bifidobacteria having a close sequence identity with the parent strain are considered to be mutant be identified by DNA sequence homology analysis with the parent strain. or variant strains. A Bifidobacteria strain with a sequence identity (homology) of 96% or more, such as 97% or more, or 98% or more, or 99% or more with the parent DNA sequence may be : considered to_ be a mutant or variant. Sequence homology may be determined using on-line algorithm “BLAST” http2//www.ncbi.n1m.nih,gov/BLAST/. homology program, publicly available ' at Mutants of the parent strain also include derived Bifidobacteria strains having at least 85% sequence homology, such as at least 90% sequence homology, or at least 95%‘ sequence homology to the 16s — 23s intergenic spacer polynucleotide sequence of the parent strain. . These mutants may fiirther comprise DNA mutations in other DNA sequences in the bacterial genome.

Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is is a BOX PCR (bioanalyzer) barcode profile for B. longum AH1205. Base pair sizes were determined using the Agilent 2100 soflware; Fig. 2 is a graph illustrating the faecel recovery of B. longum AHIZOS, over an 8 day feeding period which demonstrates the ability of AH1205 to transit the ‘murine gastrointestinal tract; Fig. is a bar graph showing the effect of B. longum AHl205 on IL-10 cytokine production by human PBMCS. Results are expressed as mean +/- SE (n=6); Fig. 4 A and B are graphs showing the effectof probiotic bacterial strain AH1205 (A) and placebo (B) on total cell numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid following ovalbumin (OVA) challenge in sensitised animals (n=l0/group, '* = p<0.05 compared to OVA challenge alone); Fig. 5 A and B are graphs showing the effect of probiotic strain AH1205l treatment (A) and placebo (B) on airway responsiveness to methacholine, as assessed by changes in enhanced pause (Penh) in ovalbumin (OVA) — sensitised mice 24 hours afierintranaval challenge with OVA or saline. Each data paint represents the mean :I: SEM (n=l 0/groups 3‘ p = <0.05 compared to OVA alone); i ‘Fig. 6 A to E are graphs showing IL_-lO(A), IFN~{(B), TNF(C), IL-6(D) and CCL2(E) _ cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid fi'om ovalbumin (OVA) — sensitised mice. Each column represents the mean dz SEM (n=10, ‘F p<0.05 compared to OVA challenged, saline treated control); Fig. 7 is a graph illustrating that CD4+ CD25+ Cells from AH1205 fed mice. significantly’ reduced responder CD4 T cell proliferation (n=7); Fig. 8 is a graph showing the percentage of Payer’s patch cells in the CD4+population that are also CD25+, as assessed by flow cytometry; Fig. 9 A and B are graphs showing the percentage of CD4 / CD25+cells expressing the transcription factor Foxp3 is significantly upregulated in genn free mice consuming AH1205. (A) = spleen cells, (B) = MLNC cells (n=4/group for spleen assay, n=2/3 for MLNC assay); Fig. 10 is a graph showing that the level of cytokines IL — 6, MCP — 1 and IFN-7 secreted by CD3/CD28 stimulated MLNC cultures was reduced when germ-free mice consumed Bifidobacterium longum AH1205. Results are expressed as the mean per group +/- standard error. (n=4/ group) ; Fig. 11 is a graph showing that the level of cytokines IL — 6 and TNF — or secreted by CD3/CD28 stimulated splenocyte cultures was reduced when germ-free mice consumed Bifidobacterium longum AH 1205. standard error (n=4/ group); and Results are expressed as the mean per group +/- Fig. 12 is a graph illustrating the stability of probiotic strain AHl205 over 3 months compared to Lactobacillus GG.

Detailed Description We have found that Bzfidobacterium longum strain AHl205 is not only acid and bile tolerant and transits the gastrointestinal tracts but also, surprisingly has immunomodulatory effects, by modulating cytokine levels or by antagonising and excluding pro-inflammatory or immunomodulatory micro-organisms from the gastrointestinal tract.

The general use of probiotic bacteria is in the form of viable cells. However, it can also be extended to non-viable cells such as killed cultures or compositions containing beneficial factors expressed by probiotic bacteria. This could include thermally killed micro-organisms or micro- organisms killed by exposure to altered pH or subjection to pressure. With non-viable cells product preparation is simpler, cells may be incorporated easily into pharmaceuticals and storage requirements are much less limited than viable cells. Lactobacillus casei YIT 9018 offers an example of the effective use of heat killed cells as a method for the treatment and/or prevention of tumour growth as described in US Patent No. US4347240.

It is unknown whether intact bacteria are required to exert an immunomodulatory effect or if individual active components of the invention can be utilized alone. Proinflammatory components of certain bacterial strains have been identified. The proinflammatory effects of gram-negative bacteria are medicated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS alone induces a proinflammatory network, partially due to LPS binding to the CD14 receptor on monocytes. It is assumed that components of probiotic bacteria possess immunomodulatory activity, due to the effects of the whole cell. Upon isolation of these components, pharmaceutical grade manipulation is anticipated.

IL-10 is produced by T cells, B cells, monocytes and macrophages. This cytokine augments the proliferation and differentiation of B cells into antibody secreting cells. IL-10 exhibits mostly anti-inflammatory activities. It up-regulates IL-IRA expression by monocytes and suppresses V20 . the majority of monocyte inflammatory activities. IL-10 inhibits monocyte production of ' cytokines, reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates, MHC class II expression, parasite killing and IL-10 production via a feed back mechanism (7). This cytokine has also been shown to block monocyte production of intestinal collagenase and type IV collagenase by interfering with a PGF/2-cAMP dependant pathway and therefore may be an important regulator of the connective tissue" destruction seen in chronic inflammatory diseases.

The host response to infection is characterised by innate and acquired cellular and humoral immune reactions, designed to limit spread of the offending organism and to restore organ homeostasis. However, to limit the aggressiveness of collateral damage to host tissues, a range of regulatory_ constraints may be activated. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) ' serve one such mechanism. These are derived from the thymus but may also be induced in peripheral organs, including the gut mucosa. Deliberate administration of‘ Treg cells suppresses inflammatory disease" in a wide range» of murine models including experimental‘ autoimmune encephalomyelitis, inflammatory bowel disease, bacterial-induced colitis, collagen-induced arthritis, type 1 diabetes, airway osinophilic inflammation, graft-vs-host disease and organ transplantation. The forkhead transcription factor Foxp3 (forkhead box P3) is selectively expressed in Treg cells, is required for Treg development andfunction, and is sufficient to V induce a Treg phenotype in conventional CD4 cells (19). Mutations Foxp3 cause severe, multi-organ autoimmunity in both human and mouse. We have described a Bifidobacterium strainthat generates CD25 positive/Foxp3 positive T regulatory cells in vivo.

The-invention will be more clearly understood from the following examples.

Example 1: Characterisation of bacteria isolated from infant faeces. Demonstrationof probiotic traits.

Isolation of Probiotic Bacteria Fresh faeces was obtained from a 3 day old male breast fed infant and serially dilutions were plated on TPY (trypticase, peptone and yeast extract) and MRS (deMann, Rogosa and Sharpe) media supplemented with 0.05% cysteine and mupirocin. Plates were incubated in anaerobic jars (BBL, Oxoid) using CO2 generating kits (Anaerocult A, Merck) for 2-5 days at 37°C. Gram positive, catalase negative rod-shaped or bifurcated/pleomorphic bacteria isolates were streaked for purity on to complex non-selective media (MRS and TPY). Isolates were routinely cultivated in MRS or TPY medium unless otherwise stated at 37°C under anaerobic conditions. , Presumptive Bzfidobacterium were stocked in.40°/o glyceroland stored at -20°C and -80°C.

Following isolation of a pure bifidobacteria strain, assigned the designation AH1205, microbiological characteristics were assessed and are summarized in Table 1 below. AH1205 is a gram positive, catalase negative pleomorphic shaped bacterium which is FructosePhoshate Phosphoketolase positive confirming its identity as a bifidobacterium. Using minimal media in which a single carbon source was inserted, AH1205 was able to grow on all carbon sources tested (Glucose, Lactose, Ribose, Arabinose, Galactose, Ramnose, Fructose, Malt Extract, Mannose, Maltose, Sucrose).

Table 1 Physiochemical characteristic of B.longum AH1205 Strain Characteristics B.longum AH1205 Gram Stain ' p . ' V + Catalase i Motility F6PPK* Milk coagulation 45°C anaerobic culture - - 45°C aerobic culture I + + I CHO Fermentation: Glucose Lactose Ribose Arabinose Galactose Rafiinose Fructose Malt Extract Marmose Maltose .

Sucrose ++++++++++ * signifies FructosePhoshate Phosphoketolase Assay Species identification s intergenic spacer (IGS) sequencing was performed to identify the species of bifidobacteria isolated. Briefly, DNA was isolated from AH1205 using 100 pl of Extraction Solution and 25 pl of Tissue Preparation solution (Sigma, XNAT2 Kit). The samples were incubated for 5 minutes at 95°C and then 100 pl of Neutralization Solultion (XNAT2 kit) was added. Genomic DNA solution was quantified using a Nanodrop (RTM) spectrophotometer and stored at 4°C. PCR was performed using the IGS primers, IGS L: 5’-GCTGGATCACCTCCTTTC-3’ (SEQ ID NO. 3) which is based on SEQ ID NO. 1 and IGS R: 5’-CTGGTGCCAAGGCATCCA-3’ (SEQ ID NO. 4) which is based on SEQ ID NO. 2. The cycling conditions were 94°C for 3 min (1 cycle), °C for 30 sec, 53°C for 30 sec, 72°C for 3.0 sec (28 cycles). The PCR reaction contained 4 ul '(50ng) of DNA, PCR mix (XNAT2 kit), 0.4 pM IGS L and R primer (MWG Biotech, Germany).

The PCR reactions were performed on an Eppendorf thermocycler. The PCR products (10 ul) were ran alongside a molecular weight marker (100 bp Ladder, Roche) on a 2% agarose EtBr stained gel in TAE, to determine the IGS profile. PCR products of Bifidobacterium (single band) were purified using the Promega Wizard (RTM) PCR purification kit. The purified PCR products were sequenced using the primer sequences (above) for the intergenic spacer region.

Sequence data was then searched against the NCBI nucleotide database to determine the identity of the strain by nucleotide homology. The resultant DNA sequence data was subjected to the NCBI standard nucleotide-to-nucleotide homology BLAST search engine (http://www.ncbi_.nlm.nih.gov/BLASTO. Thenearest match to the sequence was identified and ‘ then the sequences were aligned for comparison using DNASTAR MegAlign software. The sequences (SEQ ID NO. 1 [IGS forward sequence] and SEQ ID NO. 2 [IGS reverse sequence]) obtained can be viewed in the sequence listing. Searching the NCIMB database revealed that AH1205 has a unique IGS (SEQ ID NO. 1 [forward sequence]- and SEQ ID NO. 2 [reverse sequence]) sequence with its closest sequence homology to a Bzfidobacterium Iongum.

In order to develop a barcode PCR profile for AH1205, PCR was performed using BOX primers (8). The cycling conditions were 94°C for 7 min (1 cycle); 94°C for 1 minute, 65°C for 8 minutes, (30cycles) and 65°C for 16 minutes. The PCR reaction contained 50ng of DNA, PCR mix (XNAT2 kit) and 0.3 uM BOXAIR primer (5’CTACGGCAAGGCGACGCTGACG-3’) (SEQID NO. )5) (MWG Biotech, Germany).

Eppendorf thermocycler.

The PCR reactions were performed on an The PCR products (1 ul) were ran alongside a molecular weight marker (DNA 7500 ladder, Agilent, Germany) using the DNA 7500 LabChip® on the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer (RTM) (Agilent, Germany). The barcode (PCR product profile) was determined using the Agilent Bioanalyzer (RTM) sofiware where peak number (PCR products) and size were identified (Fig. 1).

Antibiotic sensitivitv profiles Antibiotic sensitivity profiles of the B. longum strain was determined using the ‘disc susceptibility’ assay. Cultures were grown up in the appropriate‘ broth medium for 24-48h spread-plated (l00ul) onto agar media and discs containing known concentrations of the antibiotics were placed onto the agar. Strains were examined for antibiotic sensitivity after 1-2 days incubation at 37°C under anaerobic conditions. Strains were considered sensitive if zones of inhibition of 1mm or greater were seen. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for each antibiotic was independently assessed. The MIC for clindamycin, vancomycin and metronidazole were 0.032, 0.75 and >256 respectively.

Intestinal transit To determine whether Bifidobacterium longum could survive at low pH values equivalent to those found in the stomach, bacterial cells were harvested from fresh ovemight cultures, washed twice in phosphate buffer (pH 6.5) and resuspended in TPY broth adjusted to pH 2.5 (with 1M HCI). Cells were incubated at 37°C and survival measured at intervals of 5, 30, 60 and 120 minutes using the plate count method. AH1205 survived well for 5 minutes at pH 2.5 while no viable cells were recovered after 30 minutes.

Upon exiting the stomach, putative probiotics are exposed to bile salts in the small intestine. In order to determine the ability of B. longum to survive exposure to bile, cultures were streaked on TPY agar plates supplemented with 0.3% (w/v), 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5%, 7.5% or 10% porcine bile.

B. longum AH1205 growth was observed on plates containing up to 0.5% bile.

In a murine model, the ability of B. longum AH1205 to transit the gastrointestinal tract was assessed. Mice consumed 1x109 AH1205 daily and faecal pellets were examined for the presence of the fed micro-organism. Detection of AH1205 was facilitated by isolating a spontaneous rifampicin resistanct variant of the bifidobacteria — incorporation of rifampicin in the TPY plates used to assess transit ensured that only the fed rifarnpicin resistant bifidobacteria was cultured. Faecal samples were collected daily and B. longum transit through the gastrointestinal tract was confirmed (Fig. 2).

Anti-microbial activity The indicator pathogenic micro-organisms used in this study were propagated in the following medium under the following growth conditions: Salmonella typhimurium (37°C, aerobic) in Tryptone Soya ' broth/agar supplemented with 0.6% yeast extract (TSAYE, Oxoid), Campylobacterjejuni (37°C, anaerobic) and E. coli O157:H7 (37°C, anaerobic) on Blood agar medium, czesmdium dzflicile (37°C, anaerobic) ill reinforced _Clostridial medium (RCM, Oxoid). [All strains were inoculated into fresh growth medium and grown overnight before being used in experiments.

Antimicrobial activity was detected using the deferred method (9). Briefly, B. longum AH1205 was incubated for 36-48 h. Ten-fold serial dilutions were spread—plated (100p.l) only TPY agar A medium. After overnight incubation, plates with distinct colonies were overlayed with the indicator bacterium. The indicator lawn was prepared by inoculating a molten overlay with 2% ' (v/V) of an overnight indicator culture which was poured over the surface of the inoculated TPY plates._ The plates were re-incubated overnight under conditions suitable for growth of the indicator bacterium. Indicator cultures with inhibition zones greater than 1 mm in radius were considered sensitive to the test bacterium. B. longum AH1205 inhibited the growth of all pathogenic organisms tested, with zones of clearing measuring 8.67, >80, 4.33 and 11.67 mm for Salmonella typhimurium, Campylobacter jejuni, E. coli O157:H7 and Clostridium dzflicile respectively.

Example 2: Cytokine production by PBMCs in response to B. longum.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from healthy donors by density gradient centrifugation. PBMCs were stimulated with the probiotic bacterial strain for a 72 hour period at 37°C. At this time culture supematants were collected, centrifuged, aliquoted and stored at -70°C until being assessed for IL-10 levels using cytometric bead arrays (BD Biosciences). AH1205 induced significant secretion of IL-10 by human PBMCs suggesting this probiotic strain would induce a anti-inflammatory response in viva (Fig. 3).

Example 3: B.Longum AH1205 attenuates respiratory disease in a murine model of asthma.

This study investigated whether the probiotic bacteria Bifidobacterium longum AHl205, suppress "allergic responses in an ovalbumin (OVA) sensitized mouse model of allergic airway inflammation. Briefly, adult male BALB/c mice were sensitized by i.p. injection of OVA day 0 and day 6. On days 12 and '14, mice were challenged intranasally with OVA. Twenty-four hours after the last challenge (day 15), mice were subjected to measurements of airway responsiveness followed by BAL procedure. OVA/alum-sensitized, saline-challenged mice served as controls. Animals received probiotic or placebo throughout the trial. Airway inflammation (cytokine and cell counts) was assessed by inflammatory cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. _ Airway responsiveness was also measured using the Buxco whole—body plethysmograph. Splenocytes were also isolated from OVA sensitized mice and were incubated in the presence of anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies after which cytokine levels were measured in the supernatants by flow cytometry.

B. longum AHl205 caused no significant reduction in cells recovered. from BAL fluid following OVA challenge, when compared to broth fed animals (Fig. 4). Airway responsiveness was measured and challenge of sensitized mice with OVA resulted in an enhancement of AHR to I AH1205 did not modulate this enhanced airway responsiveness to methacholine, as assessed by changes in enhaned pause (Fig. methacholine when compared with saline-challenged mice.

BAL cytokine levels were measured by cytometric bead array and demonstrated that animals fed AH1205 had significantly reduced TNF-or levels compared to OVA control (Fig. 6C). No significant differences were noted for IL-10, IFN-7, IL-6 and CCL2 levels. (F i g. 6).

Example 4: _Treg effector model This study investigated the effect of probiotic consumption on regulatory T cell number and activity in healthy mice. BALB/c mice (10/group) were fed Bzfidobacterium longum AHl205 or placebo for three weeks. Following probiotic/placebo consumption, CD4+CD25+ T-regulatory cells were isolated and their in vitro suppressive activity was determined by measuring proliferation ofianti-CD3/CD28 stimulated CFSE-labelled CD4+ responder T cells using flow cytometry. CD4+ responder T cells were co-incubated with CD4+CD25- T cells as a control.

The percentage of CD4+CD25+ cells (Regulatory T cells) in murine splenocytes that are also FoxP3 positive was determined in the spleens of probiotic or placebo-fed mice.

The % -of CD4+ cells that proliferated when co-incubated" with CD4+CD25+ cells from the probiotic/placebo fed mice was compared to the % of CD4+ cells that proliferated when co- Vincubated with CD4+CD25- cells from the same trial mouse. I11 each case, T cell proliferation was less in cultures containing CD4+CD25+ cells compared in cultures containing CD4 cells alone and depleted of the CD25+ cells (Figure 7).

The % of cells in the CD4+ population that were also. CD25+ was determined (Fig. 8). The Brfidobacterium longum AH1205 fed ‘group had significantly more CD4+ T cells" that were CD25+ (i.e. T-Regulatory cells) than their placebo—fed counterparts. This suggests that the % of .

T-Regulatory cells the CD4+ population was increased significantly by feeding with pAH1205.

The number of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ cells in the whole splenocyte populations of probiotic or placebo-fed mice was also determined. The number of CD4+CD25+ T-Regulatory cells expressing FoxP3 was unchanged in the spleens of probiotic fed mice relative to placebo or unfed mice. A Example 5: Germ free model Germ free mice were purchased at 6 weeks of age and maintained in the gerrn-free unit at the biological services unit in UCC. Animals consumed the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium longum AHl205 for 9 days orremained germ free. Induction of T regulatory cells was assessed by flow. cytometzy and cytokine levels were quantified by CBA.

AHl205 transit was assessed by measuring bifidobacterial counts on selective agar over the course of the study. AI-11205 did not transit the gut of germ free mice in measurable numbers even though ‘approximately 1x109 organisms were administered daily. The results suggests that additional microbial or host factors are required for bifidobacterial survival within the gut.

While AH1205 did not transit the gut in detectable numbers, the bacteria did interact with the T host immune system. The numbers of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cells in‘ the mesenteric lymph node and spleen of AH1205 fed germ-free animals was significantly increased following 9 days of feeding (Fig. 9). Total CD3/CD4 or CD3/CD8 counts remained unaltered.

Isolated" mesenteric lymph node cells (MLNC) and splenocytes were stimulated. in vitro with anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies or LPS or remained un-stimulated as negative controls. MLNC secretion of IL-6 and IFNJV, following CD3/CD28 stimulation, was substantially decreased in culture supernatants while MCP-l levels were significantly suppressed when mice were pre-fed AH1205 (Fig. 10) IL-10 levels remained similar between the groups. Splenocyte release of IL-6 and'TNF-oz was _substantially, but not significantly, decreased when pre-fed AH1205 (Fig. 11).

No significant differences were noted for the un-(stimulated or LPS pstimulatedu cultures but overall we observed less pro-inflammatory cytokine production from the Bifidobacteria AH1205-fed animals.

Example 6: Stability results The stability of the probiotic strain AH1205, varied over 3 months at 30°C (Fig. 12).

’ Lactobacillus GG was a poor performer over the test period with a 2 log drop over the 3 month period whereas strain AH1205 declined in viability by up to approximately 1 log over the same test period.

Immunomodulation The human immune system plays a significant role in the aetiology and pathology of a vast range of human diseases. Hyper and hypo-immune responsiveness results in, or is a component of, the majority of disease states. One family of biological entities, termed cytokines, are particularly important to the control of immune processes. Pertubances of these delicate cytokine networks are being increasingly associated with many diseases. These diseases include but are not limited to inflammatory disorders, immunodeficiency, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, _cancer (particularly those of the gastrointestinal and immune systems), diarrhoeal disease, antibiotic associated diarrhoea, paediatric diarrhoea, appendicitis, autoimmune disorders, multiple sclerosis, A1zheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, coeliac disease, diabetes mellitus, organ transplantation, bacterial infections, viral infections, fungal infections, periodontal disease, urogenital disease, sexually transmitted disease, HIV infection, HIV replication, HIV associated diarrhoea, surgical associated trauma, surgical-induced metastatic disease, sepsis, weight loss, anorexia,fever control, cachexia, wound healing, ulcers, gut barrier function, allergy, asthma, respiratory disorders, circulatory disorders, coronary heart disease, anaemia, disorders of the blood coagulation system, renal disease, disorders of the central nervous system, hepatic disease, ischaemia, nutritional disorders, osteoporosis, endocrine disorders, epidermal disorders, psoriasis and acne vulgaris. The effects on cytokine production are specific for each of the’ probiotic strains examined. Thus specific probiotic strains may be selected for normalising an exclusive cytokine imbalance particular for a specific disease type.

Customisation of disease specific therapies can be accomplished using either a single strain of AH1205 or mutants or variants thereof or a selection of these strains.

Immune Education The enteric flora is important to the development and proper fianction of the intestinal immune system. In the absence of an enteric flora, the intestinal immune system is underdeveloped, as demonstrated in germ flee animal models, and certain functional parameters are diminished, ‘ such as macrophage phagocytic ability and immunoglobulin production (10). The importance of thegut flora in stimulating non-damaging immune responses is becoming more evident. The increase in incidence and severity of allergies in the western world has been linked with an increase in hygiene and sanitation, concomitant with a decrease in the number and range of infectious challenges encountered by the host. This lack of immune stimulation may allow the host to react to non—pathogenic, but antigenic, agents resulting in allergy or autoimmunity.

Deliberate consumption of a series of non-pathogenic immunomodulatory bacteria would provide the host with the necessary and appropriate educational stimuli for proper development and control of immune function.

Inflammation Inflammation is the term used to describe the local accumulation of fluid, plasma proteins and white blood cells at a site that has sustained physical damage, infection or where there is an ongoing immune response. Control of the inflammatory response is exerted on a number of levels (11). The controlling factors include cytokines, hormones (e.g. hydrocortisone), '8 prostaglandins, reactive intermediates and leukotrienes. Cytokines are low molecular weight biologically active proteins that are involved in the generation and control of immunological and inflammatory responses, while also regulating development, tissue repair and haematopoiesis.

They provide a means of communication between leukocytes themselves and also with other cell types. Most cytokines are pleiotrophic and express multiple biologically overlapping activities.

Cytokine cascades and networks control the inflammatory response rather than the action of a particular cytokine on a particular cell type (12). Waning of the inflammatory response results in lower concentrations of the appropriate activating signals and other inflammatory mediators leading to the cessation of the inflammatory response. TNFa is a pivotal proinflannnatory cytokine as it initiates a cascade of cytokines and biological effects resulting in the inflammatory state. Therefore, agents which inhibit TNFa. are currently being used for the treatment of inflannnatory diseases, e.g. infliximab.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines are thought to play a major role in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Current therapies for treating IBD are aimed at reducing the levels of these pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL— 8 and TNFQL. Such therapies may also play a significant role in the treatment of systemic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

The strains of the present invention rnayhave potential application in the treatment of a range of inflammatory diseases, particularly if used in combination with other anti-inflammatory therapies, such as non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (N SAIDS) or Infliximab.

Cflokines and Cancer The production of multifunctional cytokines across a wide spectrum of tumour types suggests that significant inflammatory responses are ongoing in patients with cancer. It is currently unclear what protective effect this response has against the growth and development of tumour cells ‘in viva. However, these inflammatory responses could adversely affect the tumour-bearing _ host. Complex cytokine interactions are involved in the regulation of Cytokine production and cell proliferation within tumour. and normal tissues (13, 14). It has long been recognized that weight loss (cachexia) is the single most common cause of death in patients with cancer and initial malnutrition indicates a poor prognosis. For a tumour to grow and spread it must induce the formation of new blood vessels and degrade the extracellular mix. The inflammatory i response may have sigriificant roles to play in the above mechanisms, thus contributing‘ to the decline of the host and progression of the tumour. Due to the anti-inflammatory properties of Bzfidobacterium longum infantis these bacterial strains they may reduce the rate of malignant cell transformation. Furthermore, intestinal bacteria can produce, fiom dietary compounds, substances with genotoxic, carcinogenic and tumour-promoting activity and gut bacteria can ' activate pro-carcinogens to DNA reactive agents (15). In general,‘ species of Bifidobacterium have low activities of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes compared to other populations within the gut. such as bacteroides, eubacteria and clostridia. Therefore, increasing the number of ' Bzfidobacterium bacteria in the gut could beneficially modify the levelsof these enzymes.

Vaccine/Drug Delivery ‘The majority of pathogenic organisms gain entry via mucosal surfaces. Efficient vaccination of .these sites protects against invasion by a particular infectious agent. Oral vaccination strategies V have concentrated, to date, on the use of attenuated live pathogenic organisms or purified encapsulated antigens (16). Probiotic bacteria, engineered to produce antigens from an infectious agent, in viva, may provide an attractive alternative as these bacteria are considered to . be safe for human consumption (GRAS status).

Murine studies have demonstrated that consumption of probiotic bacteria expressing foreign antigens can elicit protective immune responses. The gene encoding tetanus toxin fragment C (TTFC) was expressed in Lactococcus lactis and mice were immunized via the oral route. This system was able to induce antibody titers significantly high enough to protect the mice from lethal toxin challenge. In addition to antigen presentation, live bacterial vectors can produce bioactive compounds, such as immunostimulatory cytokines, in viva. L. lactis‘ secreting bioactive human IL-2 or IL-6 and TTFC induced 10-15 fold higher serum IgG titres in mice immunized intranasally (17). However, with this particularly bacterial strain, the total IgA level was not increased by coexpression with these cytokines. Other bacterial strains, such as Streptococcus gordonii, are also being examined for their usefulness as mucosal vaccines.

Recombinant S. gordonii colonizing the murine oral and vaginal cavities induced both mucosal and systemic antibody responses to antigens expressed by this bacterial (18). Thus oral immunization using probiotic bacteria as Vectors would not only protect the host from infection, but may replace the immunological stimuli that the pathogen would normally elicit thus contributing to the immunological education of the host.

Prebioticsi The introduction of prebiotic organisms is accomplished by the ingestion of the micro-organism in a suitable carrier. It would be advantageous to provide a medium that would promote the growth of these probiotic strains in the large bowel. The addition of one or more oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, or other prebiotics enhances the growth of lactic acid bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Prebiotics refers to any non-viable food component that is specifically fermented in the colon by indigenous bacteria thought to be of positive value, eg. bifidobacteria, lactobacilli. Types‘ of prebiotics may include those that contain fructose, xylose, soya, galactose, glucose and marmose. The combined administration of a prebiotic strain with _ one or more prebiotic compounds may enhance the growth of the administered probiotic in viva ' resulting in a more pronounced health benefit, and is termed synbiotic.

Other active ingredients Ittwill be appreciated that the tprobiotic strains may be administered prophylactically or as a method of treatment either on its own or with other probiotic and/or prebiotic materials as decribed above- In addition, the bacteria may be used as part of a prophylactic or treatment . regime using other active materials such as those used for treating inflammation or other disorders especially those with an immunological involvement. Such combinations may be administered in a single formulation or as separate formulations administered at the same or different times and using the same or different routes of administration.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment herein before described which may be. varied in detail.

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Claims (1)

1. Claims An isolated strain of Bzfidobacterium deposited at NCIM_B With accession number 41387. I A Bifidobacterium strain as claimed in claim 1 in the form of viable cells. A Bzfidobacterium strain as claimed in claim 1 in the form of non-viable cells. A formulation which comprises a Bzfidobacterium strain as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3. A formulation as claimed in claim 4 which further comprises a probiotic material. A formulation as claimed in any of claims 4 or 5 which further comprises a prebiotic material. A formulation as claimed in any of claims 4 to 6 further comprising an ingestable carrier. A formulation as claimed in claim 7 wherein the ingestable carrier is a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier such as a capsule, tablet or powder. A formulation as claimed in claim 7 wherein the ingestable carrier is a food product such as acidified milk, yoghurt, fiozen yoghurt, milk powder, milk concentrate, cheese spreads, dressings or beverages. A formulation as claimed in any of claims 4 to 9 whichfurther comprises a protein and/or peptide, in particular proteins and/or peptides that are rich in glutamine/ glutamate, a lipid, a carbohydrate, a vitamin, mineral and/ or trace element. A formulation as claimed in claims 4 to 10 wherein the Bzfidobacterium strain is present in an amount of more than 10-6 cfu per gram of the formulation. A formulation as claimed in claims 4 to 11 which further comprises an adjuvant. A formulation as claimed in claims 4 to 12 which further comprises a bacterial component. A formulation as claimed in claims 4 to 13 which fiirther comprises a drug entity. A formulation as claimed in claims 4 to '14" which further comprises a biological compound. A foodstuff comprising a Bzfidobacterium strain as claimed _in any of claims 1 to 3 or a .2 formulation as claimed in any of claims 4 to 15. A Bzfidobacteriixm strain as claimed in any of "claims 1 to 3 or a formulation as claimed in any of claims 4 to 15 for use as a medicament; A Bifidobacterium strain as claimedin any of claims 1 to 3 or a formulation as claimed in any of claims 4 to 15 for use in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of undesirable inflammatory activity. A Bifidobacterium strain as claimed iniany: of claims 1 to 3 or a formulation as claimed in any of claims 4 to 15 for use in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of undesirable gastrointestinal inflammatory activity such as inflammatory bowel disease eg. Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome; pouchitis; or post infection colitis. A Bzfidobacterium strain as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 or a formulation as claimed in any of claims 4 to 15 for use in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of autoimmune disorders due to undesirable inflammatory activity. A Bzfidobacterium strain as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 or a formulation as claimed in any of claims 4 to 15 for use in the- prophylaxis and/or treatment of cancer due to undesirable inflammatory activity. A Bifidobacterium strain as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 or a formulation as claimed in any of claims 4 to 15 for use in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of diarrhoeal disease due to undesirable inflammatory activity, such as Clostridium dzflicile associated diarrhoea, Rotavirus associated diarrhoea or post infective diarrhoea or diarrhoea] disease due to an infectious agent, such as E.colz'. An anti-inflammatory biotherapeutic agent comprising a Bzfidobacterium strain as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 or a formulation as claimed in any of claims 4 to 15 for use in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of undesirable inflammatory activity. A .Bzfidobacterium strain as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 for use in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of allergy-, asthma or respiratory disorders. A Bzfidobacterium strain as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 for use in the prophylaxis andlor treatment of allergic airway inflammation. An anti-inflammatory biotherapeutic agent comprising a Bzfidobacterium strain as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 or a formation as claimed in any of claims 4 to 15 for use in reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines.