Engineered E. coli Nissle 1917 may reduce depression linked to colitis by restoring the gut-brain connection

In murine colitis models, the engineered Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (eEcN) outperformed conventional anti-TNF therapy in improving both intestinal pathology and depression-like behaviors.

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients often experience increased rates of depression and anxiety, which negatively impact their health.
• eEcN is designed to release nanobodies that neutralize tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) specifically in inflamed colon tissue.
• This therapeutic approach not only aims to heal the gut lining but also modulates the immune response.
• eEcN promotes the growth of beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria, potentially raising levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation.
• The strategy may reduce neuroinflammation and improve GABAergic signaling in the brain through the gut-brain connection.

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