Genetics targeting disease-modifying

Furthermore, genetically modified probiotics should be anticipated. Although genetically modified organisms meet resistance in certain parts of the world, they will probably be accepted eventually, provided that they have clear benefits to the user, and they may even target diseases for which there is currently no cure. An example of this is the interleukin-10-producing Lactococcus lactis for treatment of Crohn disease (Braat et al., 2006). In the more distant future, individualised strains and combinations... 

Although they remain less effective than inhaled corticosteroids, a 5-LOX inhibitor (zileuton) and selective antagonists of the CysLTl receptor for leukotrienes (zafirlukast, montelukast, and pranlukast see Chapter 20) are used clinically in mild to moderate asthma. Growing evidence for a role of the leukotrienes in cardiovascular disease has expanded the potential clinical applications of leukotriene modifiers. Conflicting data have been reported in animal studies depending on the disease model used and the molecular target (5-LOX versus FLAP). Human genetic studies have demonstrated a link between cardiovascular disease and polymorphisms in the leukotriene biosynthetic enzymes, in particular FLAP, in some populations. 

In summary, genetically modified animals are instrumental in understanding complex in vivo interactions, in the normal and the pathological forms. This knowledge is indispensable for the identification of drug targets for the intervention with not yet understood processes as well as with diseases with undefined onset and slow progression, as for instance autoimmune diseases or Alzheimer s disease. 

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