recombinant BCG expressing IL-12

Recombinant BCG expressing IL-12 is a genetically modified form of the Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine engineered to express the immunoregulatory cytokine interleukin-12 (IL-12p70). The native BCG vaccine, originally developed as an attenuated tuberculosis vaccine, induces a strong T helper type 1 (Th1) immune response. By engineering BCG to express IL-12, this recombinant platform aims to enhance Th1 polarization and IFN-gamma production more robustly than wild-type BCG alone. This enhanced immunomodulatory effect is being explored primarily as a novel therapeutic strategy for diseases characterized by Th2-dominant immune responses such as allergic asthma, where it may help rebalance immune responses and alleviate symptoms. Additionally, recombinant BCG strains secreting cytokines like IL-12 have been investigated for their potential in cancer immunotherapy due to their ability to stimulate innate and adaptive immunity locally while limiting systemic toxicity associated with direct cytokine administration. The mechanism involves delivery of IL-12 via live bacterial vector leading to local stimulation of T cells and natural killer cells with increased IFN-gamma production and modulation of inflammatory pathways.