Host microorganism selectivity

Four different HNLs are now available on a large scale via fermentation. Their origins, host microorganism, and selectivity are depicted in Tab. 3. 

For heterologous protein expression, a cloning vector must contain at least a functional origin of replication (on) suitable for the host microorganism, one or more selection marka-s such as the antibiotic resistance gene or the wild-type gene for auxotrophic bacterial strains, and a multiple cloning site. 

A.ntibiotic is an organic chemical substance produced by microorganisms that has the capacity in low concentration to selectively destroy or inhibit the growth of other microorganisms without injuring the host cells. It may be adrninistered systemicaHy and be an antimicrobial chemotherapeutic agent. 

In human medicine, selection pressure is at its most intense in hospitals, where antibiotics are extensively used. The major cause of problems of antimicrobial resistance in humans arises from overuse of antimicrobials at therapeutic levels in humans. It is generally accepted that drug resistance that develops in a bacterium as a result of mutation is only of importance within the individual host and a single bacterial strain. Because the determinant is chromosomal, the resistance cannot be transferred between different bacterial species and genera. In addition, the mutationally resistant microorganism is not usually as viable as the wild ones hence once the selective antibiotic is removed from the environment, the proportions of the mutant decrease. If exposure to the antibiotic continues, however, the mutants can become life-threatening to the patient. It should be understood that the antibiotic does not induce the mutation. The mutant simply takes advantage of its fortuitous spontaneous appearance to flourish in the presence of a selected antibiotic. 

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