Co-expression of multiple target proteins in plants from a tobacco mosaic virus vector using a combination of homologous and heterologous subgenomic promoters

Arch Virol. 2011 Nov;156(11):2057-61. doi: 10.1007/s00705-011-1069-x. Epub 2011 Jul 21.

Abstract

To co-express multiple target proteins, we engineered a single-component chimeric tobacco mosaic virus (TMV)-based vector containing homologous and heterologous capsid protein subgenomic RNA promoters. Delivery of this vector into Nicotiana benthamiana plants via agroinfiltration resulted in co-expression of two reporter genes within a single cell. Furthermore, co-expression of a host-specific antisense RNA or a silencing suppressor protein from this vector augmented the accumulation of green fluorescent protein or a vaccine antigen, hemagglutinin from avian influenza virus A/Vietnam/1194/04. These findings suggest that this chimeric vector utilizing the homologous and heterologous subgenomic TMV promoters has a potential for high-level production of multiple therapeutic proteins including monoclonal antibodies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Capsid Proteins / genetics
  • Gene Expression*
  • Genes, Reporter
  • Genetic Engineering*
  • Genetic Vectors / genetics*
  • Genetic Vectors / metabolism
  • Nicotiana / virology
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic*
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics*
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Tobacco Mosaic Virus / genetics*
  • Tobacco Mosaic Virus / metabolism

Substances

  • Capsid Proteins
  • Recombinant Proteins