# Probiotic Molecules That Inhib Inflammatory Diseases
## 6 Translational Potential of EPS\({}^{\text{Bs}}\)  
_B. subtilis_ has anti-inflammatory properties and is protective in several T cell-mediated diseases [7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13]. One molecule of _B. subtilis_ that confers the anti-inflammatory responses is EPS\({}^{\text{Bs}}\), secreted as a part of a biofilm. Using _B. subtilis_ mutants that overexpress and secrete EPS, large quantities of EPS\({}^{\text{Bs}}\) can be easily purified for prophylactic or therapeutic administration. Injection of EPS\({}^{\text{Bs}}\) confers protection similar to that shown by oral administration of _B. subtilis_ spores [9], and currently, in collaboration with colleagues in Food Science at the University of Massachusetts, we plan to formulate capsules to optimize oral administration of EPS\({}^{\text{Bs}}\). Using an active molecule instead of live bacteria has many advantages: it is not dangerous for immunocompromised patients, it allows for more accurate dosage, its effects are temporary, and it will not alter the intestinal microbiome. Although there is no evidence that EPS\({}^{\text{Bs}}\) is toxic to mice, clinical studies will be needed to confirm that it is also not toxic for humans.  
Thus far, EPS\({}^{\text{Bs}}\) has been used primarily as a prophylactic [7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13]. However, in studies with _C. roentinu_-induced colitis, EPS\({}^{\text{Bs}}\) injected 3 days post infection also inhibited disease [10], indicating that EPS\({}^{\text{Bs}}\) has potential as a therapeutic, especially for patients suffering from acute diarrhea, currently treated with fluid and electrolyte replacement.  
Another potential use of EPS\({}^{\text{Bs}}\) is for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), where, in remission, most patients relapse and require treatment [81]. EPS\({}^{\text{Bs}}\) could be used in combination with other anti-inflammatory agents not only to achieve remission but also could be used continuously during remission to prevent future relapses. Similarly, seasonal allergies and asthma induce inflammation after contact with allergens or molecular triggers. Because intranasal administration of EPS\({}^{\text{Bs}}\) reduces allergic eosinophil in a murine model [8], it could be used as a preventative medication to prevent allergic and asthma attacks in a prophylactic manner during allergy seasons or when exposure to allergens is unavoidable. This idea is in line with [PERSON]'s hygiene hypothesis [70], which states that as human settings become free from bacteria, the incidence of allergies rises. By dosing individuals who suffer from allergies with EPS\({}^{\text{Bs}}\), the allergic inflammation flares may be reduced.  
EPS\({}^{\text{Bs}}\) also shows exciting promise to prevent GvHD where allocreative T cells become activated and can initiate severe inflammation. In an _in vitro_ MLR, human cells from different MHC types are cultured together, and alloreactive T cells become activated, as in GvHD. If BMDCs treated with EPS\({}^{\text{Bs}}\) are added to the MLR cultures, T cell activation is inhibited, whereas with untreated BMDCs no inhibition is observed [7]. It may well be that the administration of EPS to the donor and/or recipient of the graft may limit inflammation and the resultant GvHD. Another possibility is to treat BMDCs _in vitro_ with EPS\({}^{\text{Bs}}\), and then administer them along with the graft. This may be especially helpful for bone marrow transplants in patients with a hematologic malignancy, many of which require bone marrow transplants. Other disease candidates to test the clinical efficacy of EPS\({}^{\text{Bs}}\) are chronic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, chronic sinusitis, and eosinophilesophagitis. These are inflammatory disorders that cycle from permissions to flares or remain at low continuous inflammation. EPS\({}^{\text{Bs}}\) can be easily administered for symptom relief.