PROTEASE-DEFICIENT GRAM-POSITIVE BACTERIA AND THEIR USE AS HOST ORGANISMS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF RECOMBINANT PRODUCTS

摘要

The residual protease activity in AP<->/NP<-> strains of Bacillus is due to two additional proteases, a residual serine protease (RSP) and a sulfhydryl-dependent residual cysteine protease (RCP), which together account for the degradation of recombinant proteins in cultures of B. subtilis (AP<->/NP<->). An analysis has been developed which allows for the identification and development of mutant strains of B. subtilis which are deficient in not only the neutral and alkaline proteases, but also in one or both of the residual proteases. These strains are highly suitable for use as host organisms for the production of heterologous proteins which are susceptible to the activity of the residual proteases.