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Zahmanova G, Aljabali AAA, Takova K, Minkov G, Tambuwala MM, Minkov I, Lomonossoff GP. Green Biologics: Harnessing the Power of Plants to Produce Pharmaceuticals. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17575. [PMID: 38139405 PMCID: PMC10743837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants are increasingly used for the production of high-quality biological molecules for use as pharmaceuticals and biomaterials in industry. Plants have proved that they can produce life-saving therapeutic proteins (Elelyso™-Gaucher's disease treatment, ZMapp™-anti-Ebola monoclonal antibodies, seasonal flu vaccine, Covifenz™-SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particle vaccine); however, some of these therapeutic proteins are difficult to bring to market, which leads to serious difficulties for the manufacturing companies. The closure of one of the leading companies in the sector (the Canadian biotech company Medicago Inc., producer of Covifenz) as a result of the withdrawal of investments from the parent company has led to the serious question: What is hindering the exploitation of plant-made biologics to improve health outcomes? Exploring the vast potential of plants as biological factories, this review provides an updated perspective on plant-derived biologics (PDB). A key focus is placed on the advancements in plant-based expression systems and highlighting cutting-edge technologies that streamline the production of complex protein-based biologics. The versatility of plant-derived biologics across diverse fields, such as human and animal health, industry, and agriculture, is emphasized. This review also meticulously examines regulatory considerations specific to plant-derived biologics, shedding light on the disparities faced compared to biologics produced in other systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergana Zahmanova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (K.T.)
- Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Alaa A. A. Aljabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan;
| | - Katerina Takova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (K.T.)
| | - George Minkov
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (K.T.)
| | - Murtaza M. Tambuwala
- Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool Campus, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK;
| | - Ivan Minkov
- Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies, 4108 Markovo, Bulgaria
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High-Yield Production of Chimeric Hepatitis E Virus-Like Particles Bearing the M2e Influenza Epitope and Receptor Binding Domain of SARS-CoV-2 in Plants Using Viral Vectors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415684. [PMID: 36555326 PMCID: PMC9779006 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Capsid protein of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is capable of self-assembly into virus-like particles (VLPs) when expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. Such VLPs could be used as carriers of antigens for vaccine development. In this study, we obtained VLPs based on truncated coat protein of HEV bearing the M2e peptide of Influenza A virus or receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (RBD). We optimized the immunogenic epitopes' presentation by inserting them into the protruding domain of HEV ORF2 at position Tyr485. The fusion proteins were expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana plants using self-replicating potato virus X (PVX)-based vector. The fusion protein HEV/M2, targeted to the cytosol, was expressed at the level of about 300-400 μg per gram of fresh leaf tissue and appeared to be soluble. The fusion protein was purified using metal affinity chromatography under native conditions with the final yield about 200 μg per gram of fresh leaf tissue. The fusion protein HEV/RBD, targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum, was expressed at about 80-100 μg per gram of fresh leaf tissue; the yield after purification was up to 20 μg per gram of fresh leaf tissue. The recombinant proteins HEV/M2 and HEV/RBD formed nanosized virus-like particles that could be recognized by antibodies against inserted epitopes. The ELISA assay showed that antibodies of COVID-19 patients can bind plant-produced HEV/RBD virus-like particles. This study shows that HEV capsid protein is a promising carrier for presentation of foreign antigen.
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Mardanova ES, Kotlyarov RY, Ravin NV. Rapid Transient Expression of Receptor-Binding Domain of SARS-CoV-2 and the Conserved M2e Peptide of Influenza A Virus Linked to Flagellin in Nicotiana benthamiana Plants Using Self-Replicating Viral Vector. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:plants11243425. [PMID: 36559537 PMCID: PMC9785242 DOI: 10.3390/plants11243425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The development of recombinant vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A is an important task. The combination of the conserved influenza A antigen, the extracellular domain of the transmembrane protein M2 (M2e), and the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (RBD) provides the opportunity to develop a bivalent vaccine against these infections. The fusion of antigens with bacterial flagellin, the ligand for Toll-like receptor 5 and potent mucosal adjuvant, may increase the immunogenicity of the candidate vaccines and enable intranasal immunization. In this study, we report the transient expression of RBD alone, RBD coupled with four copies of M2e, and fusions of RBD and RBD-4M2e with flagellin in Nicotiana benthamiana plants using the self-replicating potato virus X-based vector pEff. The yields of purified recombinant proteins per gram of fresh leaf tissue were about 20 µg for RBD, 50-60 µg for RBD-4M2e and the fusion of RBD with flagellin, and about 90 µg for RBD-4M2e fused to flagellin. Targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum enabled the production of glycosylated recombinant proteins comprising RBD. Our results show that plant-produced RBD and RBD-4M2e could be further used for the development of subunit vaccines against COVID-19 and a bivalent vaccine against COVID-19 and influenza A, while flagellin fusions could be used for the development of intranasal vaccines.
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Boroujeni NA, Khatouni SB, Motamedi MJ, Afraz S, Jafari M, Salmanian AH. Root-preferential expression of Newcastle virus glycoproteins driven by NtREL1 promoter in tobacco hairy roots and evaluation of oral delivery in mice. Transgenic Res 2022; 31:201-213. [PMID: 35006541 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-021-00295-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a lethal virus in avian species with a disastrous effect on the poultry industry. NDV is enveloped by a host-derived membrane with two glycosylated haemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) and Fusion (F) proteins. NDV infection usually leads to death within 2-6 days, so the preexisting antibodies provide the most critical protection for this infection. The HN and F glycoproteins are considered the main targets of the immune system. In the present study, two constructs harboring the HN or F epitopes are sub-cloned separately under the control of a root-specific promoter NtREL1 or CaMV35S (35S Cauliflower Mosaic Virus promoter) as a constitutive promoter. The recombinant vectors were transformed into the Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 and then introduced to tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) leaf disk explants. PCR with specific primers was performed to confirm the presence of the hn and f genes in the genome of the regenerated plants. Then, the positive lines were transformed via non-recombinant A. rhizogenes (strain ATCC15834) to develop hairy roots.HN and F were expressed at 0.37% and 0.33% of TSP using the CaMV35S promoter and at 0.75% and 0.54% of TSP using the NtREL1 promoter, respectively. Furthermore, the mice fed transgenic hairy roots showed a high level of antibody responses (IgG and IgA) against rHN and rF proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Arkian Boroujeni
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Shahrake- Pajoohesh Blvd., 15th Km, Tehran-Karaj Highway, P.O. Box 14965-161, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Behjat Khatouni
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Shahrake- Pajoohesh Blvd., 15th Km, Tehran-Karaj Highway, P.O. Box 14965-161, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Motamedi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, Stem Cell Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Afraz
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Shahrake- Pajoohesh Blvd., 15th Km, Tehran-Karaj Highway, P.O. Box 14965-161, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahyat Jafari
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Shahrake- Pajoohesh Blvd., 15th Km, Tehran-Karaj Highway, P.O. Box 14965-161, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali-Hatef Salmanian
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Shahrake- Pajoohesh Blvd., 15th Km, Tehran-Karaj Highway, P.O. Box 14965-161, Tehran, Iran.
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Plant-Derived Recombinant Vaccines against Zoonotic Viruses. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12020156. [PMID: 35207444 PMCID: PMC8878793 DOI: 10.3390/life12020156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases cause serious illness with billions of cases, and millions of deaths. The most effective way to restrict the spread of zoonotic viruses among humans and animals and prevent disease is vaccination. Recombinant proteins produced in plants offer an alternative approach for the development of safe, effective, inexpensive candidate vaccines. Current strategies are focused on the production of highly immunogenic structural proteins, which mimic the organizations of the native virion but lack the viral genetic material. These include chimeric viral peptides, subunit virus proteins, and virus-like particles (VLPs). The latter, with their ability to self-assemble and thus resemble the form of virus particles, are gaining traction among plant-based candidate vaccines against many infectious diseases. In this review, we summarized the main zoonotic diseases and followed the progress in using plant expression systems for the production of recombinant proteins and VLPs used in the development of plant-based vaccines against zoonotic viruses.
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Mardanova ES, Kotlyarov RY, Ravin NV. High-Yield Production of Receptor Binding Domain of SARS-CoV-2 Linked to Bacterial Flagellin in Plants Using Self-Replicating Viral Vector pEff. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:plants10122682. [PMID: 34961153 PMCID: PMC8708900 DOI: 10.3390/plants10122682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The development of recombinant vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 is required to eliminate the COVID-19 pandemic. We reported the expression of a recombinant protein Flg-RBD comprising receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (RBD) fused to flagellin of Salmonella typhimurium (Flg), known as mucosal adjuvant, in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. The fusion protein, targeted to the cytosol, was transiently expressed using the self-replicating vector pEff based on potato virus X genome. The recombinant protein Flg-RBD was expressed at the level of about 110-140 μg per gram of fresh leaf tissue and was found to be insoluble. The fusion protein was purified using metal affinity chromatography under denaturing conditions. To increase the yield of Flg-RBD, the flow-through fraction obtained after loading of the protein sample on the Ni-NTA resin was re-loaded on the sorbent. The yield of Flg-RBD after purification reached about 100 μg per gram of fresh leaf tissue and the purified protein remained soluble after dialysis. The control flagellin was expressed in a soluble form and its yield after purification was about 300 μg per gram of fresh leaf biomass. Plant-produced Flg-RBD protein could be further used for the development of intranasal recombinant mucosal vaccines against COVID-19.
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Long-Term Potato Virus X (PVX)-Based Transient Expression of Recombinant GFP Protein in Nicotiana benthamiana Culture In Vitro. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10102187. [PMID: 34685995 PMCID: PMC8537016 DOI: 10.3390/plants10102187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Plant molecular farming has a great potential to produce valuable proteins. Transient expression technology provides high yields of recombinant proteins in greenhouse-grown plants, but every plant must be artificially agroinfiltrated, and open greenhouse systems are less controlled. Here, we propose to propagate agrobacteria-free plants with high-efficient long-term self-replicated transient gene expression in a well-controlled closed in vitro system. Nicotiana benthamiana plant tissue culture in vitro, with transient expression of recombinant GFP, was obtained through shoot induction from leaf explants infected by a PVX-based vector. The transient expression occurs in new tissues and regenerants due to the natural systemic distribution of viral RNA carrying the target gene. Gene silencing was delayed in plants grown in vitro, and GFP was detected in plants for five to six months. Agrobacteria-free, GFP-expressing plants can be micropropagated in vitro (avoiding an agroinfiltration step), "rejuvenated" through regeneration (maintaining culture for years), or transferred in soil. The mean GFP in the regenerants was 18% of the total soluble proteins (TSP) (0.52 mg/g of fresh leaf weight (FW). The highest value reached 47% TSP (2 mg/g FW). This study proposes a new method for recombinant protein production combining the advantages of transient expression technology and closed cultural systems.
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Zykova AA, Blokhina EA, Stepanova LA, Shuklina MA, Tsybalova LM, Kuprianov VV, Ravin NV. Nanoparticles based on artificial self-assembling peptide and displaying M2e peptide and stalk HA epitopes of influenza A virus induce potent humoral and T-cell responses and protect against the viral infection. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2021; 39:102463. [PMID: 34583058 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2021.102463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular domain of the M2 protein (M2e) and conserved region of the second subunit of the hemagglutinin (HA2) could be used for the development of broad-spectrum vaccines against influenza A. Here we obtained and characterized recombinant mosaic proteins containing tandem copies of M2e and HA2 fused to an artificial self-assembling peptide (SAP). The inclusion of SAP peptides in the fusion proteins enabled their self-assembly in vitro into spherical particles with a size of 30-50 nm. Intranasal immunization of mice with these particles without additional adjuvants induced strong humoral immune response against M2e and the whole virus. Particles carrying both M2e and HA2 induced antigen-specific multifunctional CD4+ effector memory T cells. Immunization provided high protection of mice against the lethal challenge with different subtypes of influenza A virus. The obtained self-assembling nanoparticles can be used to develop a universal influenza vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A Zykova
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena A Blokhina
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Liudmila A Stepanova
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, Russian Ministry of Health, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Marina A Shuklina
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, Russian Ministry of Health, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Liudmila M Tsybalova
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, Russian Ministry of Health, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Victor V Kuprianov
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikolai V Ravin
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
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Isakova-Sivak I, Stepanova E, Mezhenskaya D, Matyushenko V, Prokopenko P, Sychev I, Wong PF, Rudenko L. Influenza vaccine: progress in a vaccine that elicits a broad immune response. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:1097-1112. [PMID: 34348561 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1964961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The licensed seasonal influenza vaccines predominantly induce neutralizing antibodies against immunodominant hypervariable epitopes of viral surface proteins, with limited protection against antigenically distant influenza viruses. Strategies have been developed to improve vaccines' performance in terms of broadly reactive and long-lasting immune response induction. AREAS COVERED We have summarized the advancements in the development of cross-protective influenza vaccines and discussed the challenges in evaluating them in preclinical and clinical trials. Here, the literature regarding the current stage of development of universal influenza vaccine candidates was reviewed. EXPERT OPINION Although various strategies aim to redirect adaptive immune responses from variable immunodominant to immunosubdominant antigens, more conserved epitopes are being investigated. Approaches that improve antibody responses to conserved B cell epitopes have increased the protective efficacy of vaccines within a subtype or phylogenetic group of influenza viruses. Vaccines that elicit significant levels of T cells recognizing highly conserved viral epitopes possess a high cross-protective potential and may cover most circulating influenza viruses. However, the development of T cell-based universal influenza vaccines is challenging owing to the diversity of MHCs in the population, unpredictable degree of immunodominance, lack of adequate animal models, and difficulty in establishing T cell immunity in humans. ABBREVIATIONS cHA: chimeric HA; HBc: hepatitis B virus core protein; HA: hemagglutinin; HLA: human leucocyte antigen; IIV: inactivated influenza vaccine; KLH: keyhole limpet hemocyanin; LAH: long alpha helix; LAIV: live attenuated influenza vaccine; M2e: extracellular domain of matrix 2 protein; MHC: major histocompatibility complex; mRNA: messenger ribonucleic acid; NA: neuraminidase; NS1: non-structural protein 1; qNIV: quadrivalent nanoparticle influenza vaccine; TRM: tissue-resident memory T cells; VE: vaccine effectiveness; VLP: virus-like particles; VSV: vesicular stomatitis virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Isakova-Sivak
- Department Of Virology, Institute Of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Stepanova
- Department Of Virology, Institute Of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Daria Mezhenskaya
- Department Of Virology, Institute Of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Victoria Matyushenko
- Department Of Virology, Institute Of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Polina Prokopenko
- Department Of Virology, Institute Of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ivan Sychev
- Department Of Virology, Institute Of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Pei-Fong Wong
- Department Of Virology, Institute Of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Larisa Rudenko
- Department Of Virology, Institute Of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
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Producing Vaccines against Enveloped Viruses in Plants: Making the Impossible, Difficult. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9070780. [PMID: 34358196 PMCID: PMC8310165 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The past 30 years have seen the growth of plant molecular farming as an approach to the production of recombinant proteins for pharmaceutical and biotechnological uses. Much of this effort has focused on producing vaccine candidates against viral diseases, including those caused by enveloped viruses. These represent a particular challenge given the difficulties associated with expressing and purifying membrane-bound proteins and achieving correct assembly. Despite this, there have been notable successes both from a biochemical and a clinical perspective, with a number of clinical trials showing great promise. This review will explore the history and current status of plant-produced vaccine candidates against enveloped viruses to date, with a particular focus on virus-like particles (VLPs), which mimic authentic virus structures but do not contain infectious genetic material.
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Venkataraman S, Hefferon K, Makhzoum A, Abouhaidar M. Combating Human Viral Diseases: Will Plant-Based Vaccines Be the Answer? Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9070761. [PMID: 34358177 PMCID: PMC8310141 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular pharming or the technology of application of plants and plant cell culture to manufacture high-value recombinant proteins has progressed a long way over the last three decades. Whether generated in transgenic plants by stable expression or in plant virus-based transient expression systems, biopharmaceuticals have been produced to combat several human viral diseases that have impacted the world in pandemic proportions. Plants have been variously employed in expressing a host of viral antigens as well as monoclonal antibodies. Many of these biopharmaceuticals have shown great promise in animal models and several of them have performed successfully in clinical trials. The current review elaborates the strategies and successes achieved in generating plant-derived vaccines to target several virus-induced health concerns including highly communicable infectious viral diseases. Importantly, plant-made biopharmaceuticals against hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), the cancer-causing virus human papillomavirus (HPV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza virus, zika virus, and the emerging respiratory virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been discussed. The use of plant virus-derived nanoparticles (VNPs) and virus-like particles (VLPs) in generating plant-based vaccines are extensively addressed. The review closes with a critical look at the caveats of plant-based molecular pharming and future prospects towards further advancements in this technology. The use of biopharmed viral vaccines in human medicine and as part of emergency response vaccines and therapeutics in humans looks promising for the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srividhya Venkataraman
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada; (K.H.); (M.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Kathleen Hefferon
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada; (K.H.); (M.A.)
| | - Abdullah Makhzoum
- Department of Biological Sciences & Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science & Technology, Palapye, Botswana;
| | - Mounir Abouhaidar
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada; (K.H.); (M.A.)
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Mardanova ES, Ravin NV. Transient expression of recombinant proteins in plants using potato virus X based vectors. Methods Enzymol 2021; 660:205-222. [PMID: 34742389 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2021.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Plants become a promising biofactory for the large-scale production of recombinant proteins due to low cost, scalability, and safety. Agroinfiltration of plant leaves with a plant viral vector carrying a gene of interest is a rapid and efficient method for protein production in plants. Currently this method is in use for producing a wide range of proteins for multiple applications, including vaccine antigens, antibodies, and protein nanoparticles such as virus-like particles. A number of pharmaceutical proteins produced by transient expression are currently in clinical development. Here, we describe potato virus X based vector pEff-GFP enabling fast and high-level expression of recombinant proteins in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. The pEff vector provides green fluorescent protein expression levels of up to 30% of total soluble protein (about 1mg per g of fresh leaf tissue) and was successfully applied for the production of the immunogens of potential clinical interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia S Mardanova
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikolai V Ravin
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
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Park SH, Ji KY, Kim HM, Ma SH, Park SY, Do JH, Oh DB, Kang HS, Shim JS, Joung YH. Optimization of the human colorectal carcinoma antigen GA733-2 production in tobacco plants. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY REPORTS 2021; 15:55-67. [PMID: 33520002 PMCID: PMC7825390 DOI: 10.1007/s11816-020-00657-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The colorectal carcinoma-associated protein GA733-2 is one of the representative candidate protein for the development of plant-derived colorectal cancer vaccine. Despite of its significant importance for colorectal vaccine development, low efficiency of GA733-2 production limits its wide applications. To improve productivity of GA733-2 in plants, we here tested multiple factors that affect expression of recombinant GA733-2 (rGA733-2) and rGA733 fused to fragment crystallizable (Fc) domain (rGA733-Fc) protein. The rGA733-2 and rGA733-Fc proteins were highly expressed when the pBINPLUS vector system was used for transient expression in tobacco plants. In addition, the length of interval between rGA733-2 and left border of T-DNA affected the expression of rGA733 protein. Transient expression analysis using various combinations of Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains (C58C1, LBA4404, and GV3101) and tobacco species (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Xanthi nc and Nicotiana benthamiana) revealed that higher accumulation of rGA733-2 and rGA733-Fc proteins were obtained by combination of A. tumefaciens LBA4404 and Nicotiana benthamiana. Transgenic plants generated by introduction of the rGA733-2 and rGA733-Fc expression cassettes also significantly accumulated corresponding recombinant proteins. Bioactivity and stability of the plant-derived rGA733 and rGA733-Fc were evaluated by further in vitro assay, western blot and N-glycosylation analysis. Collectively, we here suggest the optimal condition for efficient production of functional rGA733-2 protein in tobacco system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Hee Park
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186 Korea
| | - Kon-Young Ji
- Herbal Medicine Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, 34054 Korea
| | - Hyun Min Kim
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186 Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Ma
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186 Korea
| | - Seo Young Park
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186 Korea
| | - Ju Hui Do
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186 Korea
| | - Doo-Byoung Oh
- Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141 Korea
- Department of Biosystems and Bioengineering, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113 Korea
| | - Hyung Sik Kang
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186 Korea
| | - Jae Sung Shim
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186 Korea
| | - Young Hee Joung
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186 Korea
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Progress in the Development of Universal Influenza Vaccines. Viruses 2020; 12:v12091033. [PMID: 32957468 PMCID: PMC7551969 DOI: 10.3390/v12091033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza viruses pose a significant threat to human health. They are responsible for a large number of deaths annually and have a serious impact on the global economy. There are numerous influenza virus subtypes, antigenic variations occur continuously, and epidemic trends are difficult to predict—all of which lead to poor outcomes of routine vaccination against targeted strain subtypes. Therefore, the development of universal influenza vaccines still constitutes the ideal strategy for controlling influenza. This article reviews the progress in development of universal vaccines directed against the conserved regions of hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA), and other structural proteins of influenza viruses using new technologies and strategies with the goals of enhancing our understanding of universal influenza vaccines and providing a reference for research into the exploitation of natural immunity against influenza viruses.
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Blokhina EA, Mardanova ES, Stepanova LA, Tsybalova LM, Ravin NV. Plant-Produced Recombinant Influenza A Virus Candidate Vaccine Based on Flagellin Linked to Conservative Fragments of M2 Protein and Hemagglutintin. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9020162. [PMID: 32013187 PMCID: PMC7076671 DOI: 10.3390/plants9020162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The development of recombinant influenza vaccines with broad spectrum protection is an important task. The combination of conservative viral antigens, such as M2e, the extracellular domain of the transmembrane protein M2, and conserved regions of the second subunit of hemagglutinin (HA), provides an opportunity for the development of universal influenza vaccines. Immunogenicity of the antigens could be enhanced by fusion to bacterial flagellin, the ligand for Toll-like receptor 5, acting as a powerful mucosal adjuvant. In this study, we report the transient expression in plants of a recombinant protein comprising flagellin of Salmonella typhimurium fused to the conserved region of the second subunit of HA (76–130 a.a.) of the first phylogenetic group of influenza A viruses and four tandem copies of the M2e peptide. The hybrid protein was expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana plants using the self-replicating potato virus X-based vector pEff up to 300 µg/g of fresh leaf tissue. The intranasal immunization of mice with purified fusion protein induced high levels of M2e-specific serum antibodies and provided protection against lethal challenge with influenza A virus strain A/Aichi/2/68(H3N2). Our results show that M2e and hemagglutinin-derived peptide can be used as important targets for the development of a plant-produced vaccine against influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena A. Blokhina
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 101000, Russia; (E.A.B.); (E.S.M.)
| | - Eugenia S. Mardanova
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 101000, Russia; (E.A.B.); (E.S.M.)
| | - Liudmila A. Stepanova
- Research Institute of Influenza, Russian Ministry of Health, St. Petersburg 23805, Russia; (L.A.S.); (L.M.T.)
| | - Liudmila M. Tsybalova
- Research Institute of Influenza, Russian Ministry of Health, St. Petersburg 23805, Russia; (L.A.S.); (L.M.T.)
| | - Nikolai V. Ravin
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 101000, Russia; (E.A.B.); (E.S.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-499-7833264
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