5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  Researchers developed genetically engineered bacteria to deliver anti-inflammatory therapy directly to the ocular surface for corneal injury.

• 2

  The modified bacterium, Corynebacterium mastitidis, secretes interleukin-10 to promote corneal epithelial repair and reduce inflammation.

• 3

  Corneal wounds affect over one million people annually in the U.S., often leading to serious complications if healing is delayed.

• 4

  This novel approach offers sustained therapeutic effects, unlike traditional eye drops that are quickly cleared from the ocular surface.

• 5

  The strategy could be adapted for various ocular surface disorders, representing a new class of living therapeutics for ophthalmic treatment.