Viral vector-based expression strategies Chapter uri icon

abstract

  • The need for high recombinant protein yields for the formulation of plant-derived vaccines has led to the development of innovative expression strategies. The efficient capacity of viruses to replicate themselves is a highly desirable characteristic with implications on achieving this goal. Plant viral vectors have been positioned as one of the most efficient approaches in terms of protein yield following strategies of full or deconstructed virus. Expression strategies based on the use of RNA and DNA plant virus are described in this chapter. Plant virus vectors based on Potexvirus, Tobamovirus, Comovirus, and Geminivirus are prominently used because of their high recombinant protein yields. The strategy of using virus-like particles has resulted in highly effective immunogens due to their complex structure, offering the production of chimeric particles bearing unrelated epitopes. Other viral elements that represent new developments are the internal ribosome entry sites (IRES) and the 2A peptide of foot-and-mouth disease virus, which may allow for the co-expression of distinct antigens from a single expression cassette, thus having implications on the formulation of improved bivalent or adjuvanted vaccines. Promising vaccination approaches using viral vector-based platforms are also presented, including vaccines against influenza, human immunodeficiency virus, human papillomavirus, and Norwalk virus. © 2014 Springer Science%2bBusiness Media New York. All rights reserved.

publication date

  • 2014-01-01