Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917—from bench to bedside and back Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Probiotics
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer significant health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They primarily work by modulating the gut microbiome, supporting a balanced microbial ecosystem. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, modulate immune responses, and even influence metabolic and mental health disorders. With growing evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety through their impact on the gut-brain axis.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
The article provides a comprehensive historical and modern analysis of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), focusing on its discovery, development, and its probiotic properties. It outlines the origins of EcN, isolated by Alfred Nissle in 1917, and its subsequent use as a therapeutic agent. The review explores the strain’s antagonistic activities, particularly its ability to inhibit the growth of harmful enteric pathogens like Salmonella, and the molecular mechanisms that support this action. Recent advancements in biotechnology have enhanced EcN’s use in clinical applications such as the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, and in new areas like metabolic disease and pathogen-targeted therapy. The study also discusses the evolving role of EcN in microbiome research, its genomic sequencing, and its potential for use in live biotherapeutic products (LBPs).
Who was studied?
The study primarily focuses on the Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 strain, a specific bacterial strain known for its probiotic properties. The review touches on the history of EcN, tracing its origins back to its isolation from a soldier’s stool during World War I, who was notably resistant to dysentery despite exposure. Further research on its properties has expanded EcN’s use from a simple probiotic to a model organism in experimental biomedical studies. The article also discusses how EcN has been utilized in various clinical trials, ranging from treatment for infectious diseases to its potential in metabolic disorders.
Most important findings
EcN’s antagonistic activity against harmful pathogens has been well documented, with studies showing its efficacy in inhibiting Salmonella and other enteropathogenic bacteria in vitro and in vivo. The discovery of microcins, antimicrobial peptides produced by EcN, is central to this activity. EcN’s ability to produce siderophores allows it to compete for iron in the gut, depriving pathogens of a crucial nutrient.
Recent advancements in the genetic engineering of EcN have expanded its therapeutic potential. Engineered strains of EcN, such as those developed by Synlogic for the treatment of metabolic diseases like phenylketonuria (PKU) and hyperammonemia, demonstrate how EcN can be used as a live medicine. These strains are modified to produce enzymes that break down excess phenylalanine or ammonia, showcasing EcN’s versatility as a drug-delivery vehicle in the gastrointestinal tract. EcN’s potential as a live vaccine vector is being explored, with the strain being engineered to deliver antigens from various pathogens to the gut-associated lymphoid tissue, triggering immune responses.
Key implications
The historical and ongoing research into E. coli Nissle 1917 highlights its broad therapeutic potential, particularly in the realm of gastrointestinal health and infectious disease management. Its ability to outcompete harmful bacteria and modulate the gut microbiome makes it a valuable tool for treating a variety of conditions, from diarrhea to inflammatory bowel diseases. The development of engineered EcN strains opens up new possibilities for treating metabolic disorders and other non-gastrointestinal diseases, showcasing the promise of probiotics in modern medicine. Moreover, its use as a vaccine vector and in postbiotic therapies suggests a future where EcN plays a central role in immune modulation and disease prevention.
E. coli Nissle 1917
Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) is a rare, non-pathogenic strain of E. coli discovered during World War I from a soldier who did not get dysentery while others did. Unlike harmful E. coli, EcN acts as a probiotic: it settles in the gut, competes with bad bacteria for food and space, produces natural antimicrobials, and even helps strengthen the gut barrier.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer significant health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They primarily work by modulating the gut microbiome, supporting a balanced microbial ecosystem. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, modulate immune responses, and even influence metabolic and mental health disorders. With growing evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety through their impact on the gut-brain axis.