Expression of rabies virus G protein in carrots (Daucus carota).
Antigens derived from various pathogens can readily be synthesized at high levels in plants in their authentic forms. Such antigens administered orally can induce an immune response and, in some cases, result in protection against a subsequent challenge. We here report the expression of rabies virus G protein into carrots. The G gene was subcloned into the pUCpSSrabG vector and then used to transform carrot embryogenic cells by particle bombardment. The carrot cells were selected in liquid medium, a method previously unreported. The presence of the transgene was verified by PCR, and by RT-PCR. By western blot, G protein transgene was identified in 93.3% of adult carrot roots. The G protein was quantified by densitometric analysis (range 0.4-1.2%). The expressed protein was antigenic in mice. This confirms that the carrot is an adequate system for antigen expression.
Rojas-Anaya
Edith
E
Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico, México DF.
Loza-Rubio
Elizabeth
E
Olivera-Flores
Maria Teresa
MT
Gomez-Lim
Miguel
M
D000818:Animals; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D018552:Daucus carota / Q000235:genetics*; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified / Q000235:genetics*; D011820:Rabies virus / Q000235:genetics*; D012639:Seeds; D014170:Transformation, Genetic; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D006023:Glycoproteins; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins; C064951:glycoprotein G, Rabies virus