| abstract |
Clinical grade vectors comprising transformed microflora vector having at least one transforming nucleic acid sequence containing at least one gene of interest are provided. The transforming nucleic acid encodes for a therapeutic polypeptide that is delivered to the host in need thereof topically, orally, intranasally and/or transderamally. The clinical grade vectors are derived from lactic acid bacteria, yeast and other non-pathogenic microorganisms and have been provided with selective/and or reporter genes that do not rely on antibiotic resistance. Moreover, the clinical grade vectors are provided with phenotypic and/or genotypic traits that limit the ex vivo dissemination of transforming nucleic acid sequence(s). Also provided are methods and compositions useful in treating diseases in animals. |