E. coli: The ideal transport vehicle for next-gen vaccines?

Researchers have developed an E. coli-based transport capsule designed to help next-generation vaccines do a more efficient and effective job than today's immunizations. The research highlights the capsule's success fighting pneumococcal disease, an infection that can result in pneumonia, sepsis, ear infections and meningitis. 

Researchers experimenting with harmless strains of E. coli -- yes, the majority of E. coli are safe and important to healthy human digestion -- are working toward that goal.

The research, described in a study published today (July 1) in the journal Science Advances.

Around the bacteria, the researchers wrapped a synthetic polymer -- called poly (beta amino ester) -- that resembles a chain link fence. The positive-charged polymer, combined with the negative-charged bacteria cell wall, create a sort of hybrid capsule.

To test the capsule, the researchers then inserted a protein-based vaccine, also being commercialized by Abcombi, designed to fight pneumococcal disease. The results, when tested in mice, were impressive.

It's also relatively inexpensive to create and flexible in terms of use. For example, the capsule could be used as a delivery device for therapies that target cancer, viral-based infectious disease and other illnesses.