CXCR4(+)-targeted protein nanoparticles produced in the food-grade bacterium Lactococcus lactis.

AIM Lactococcus lactis is a Gram-positive (endotoxin-free) food-grade bacteria exploited as alternative to Escherichia coli for recombinant protein production. We have explored here for the first time the ability of this platform as producer of complex, self-assembling protein materials. MATERIALS & METHODS Biophysical properties, cell penetrability and in vivo biodistribution upon systemic administration of tumor-targeted protein nanoparticles produced in L. lactis have been compared with the equivalent material produced in E. coli. RESULTS Protein nanoparticles have been efficiently produced in L. lactis, showing the desired size, internalization properties and biodistribution. CONCLUSION In vitro and in vivo data confirm the potential and robustness of the production platform, pointing out L. lactis as a fascinating cell factory for the biofabrication of protein materials intended for therapeutic applications.