Abstract: As a phenotypically and phylogenetically diverse group, lactic acid bacteria are found in a variety of natural environments and play an important role in medicine, bioengineering, food fermentation and agriculture. Lactic acid bacteria have a long history of use in food and have been considered as suitable vehicles for the production and targeted delivery of health-promoting or therapeutic bioactive substances due to their safety and probiotic properties, and the operability of their genetic systems. This article summarizes the latest studies on lactic acid bacteria as delivery vehicles in vivo with a focus on gene expression systems of lactic acid bacteria, the expression forms of bioactive substances and the application of lactic acid bacteria as delivery vehicles in the treatment of various diseases. It is hoped that this review will provide a basis for subsequent research.

Key words: lactic acid bacteria; bacteriotherapy; bioactive substances; delivery systems