| abstract |
The present invention relates, e.g, to a commensal bacterium which can colonize the genitourinary and/or gastrointestinal mucosa, and which, under suitable conditions, secretes a heterologous antimicrobial polypeptide, wherein the secretad antimicrobial polypeptide is effective to inhibit infectivity by, or a pathogenic activity of, a pathogen. In a most preferred embodiment, the antimicrobial polypeptide inhibits HIV infection (e.g., fusion) and/or pathogenis. Also described are preventive or therapeutic compositions comprising the commensal bacteria, and methods to inhibit infectivity and/or pathogenesis, using the bacteria. |