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Title: Transient expression of the ectodomain of matrix protein 2 (M2e) of Avian Influenza A Virus in plants

Author
item Nemchinov, Lev
item NATILLA, ANGELA - UNIV OF BASILICATA ITALY

Submitted to: Protein Expression and Purification
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/15/2007
Publication Date: 6/7/2007
Citation: Nemchinov, L.G., Natilla, A. 2007. Transient expression of the ectodomain of matrix protein 2 (M2e) of Avian Influenza A Virus in plants. Protein Expression and Purification. Available: doi:10.1016/j.pep.2007.05.015.

Interpretive Summary: Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) subtype H5N1 normally occurs in domestic fowl but has also been found in migratory birds, different mammals and in humans. Recent outbreaks of HPAIV created a threat of pandemic spread and emphasized the need to develop a vaccination strategy that differs from traditional vaccination. Plant-derived vaccines offer promise of greater availability in developing countries, lower production costs, increased safety and new concepts of vaccine construction and properties. This initial study demonstrates the feasibility of producing an HPAIV potential vaccine candidate in plants. These results will be of interest to plant and animal researchers, and representatives of industry, academia, and government organizations with an interest in plant-based systems for production of vaccine, immunology, and veterinary health.

Technical Abstract: We have previously reported an expression system based on capsid protein gene (CP) of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) placed under transcriptional control of Potato virus X (PVX)-based vector. PVX-expressed CMV CP formed virus-like particles, which served as carriers for heterologous antigens of Newcastle disease virus (NDV). In this work, we applied our expression tool toward the development of plant-derived vaccine candidate against avian influenza A virus. Twenty three amino acid-long extracellular domain of the viral M2 protein (M2e) was engineered into the internal motif 5 of CMV CP and recombinant gene then was transiently expressed in plants through PVX vector. Chimeric CMV capsids reacted with specific antibodies produced to synthetic M2e epitope of the H5N1 strain of the virus. In addition, CMV CP-M2e protein was expressed to high levels in Escherichia coli bacterial cells and was recognized by antibodies to both CMV and M2e as well. To our knowledge, this is the first report on expression of potentially neutralizing epitope of avian influenza virus in plants.