Transient expression of chicken alpha interferon gene in lettuce

• Published in: Journal of Zhejiang University. B. Science Vol. 9; no. 5; pp. 351 - 355
• Main Authors: Li, Song, De-gang, Zhao, Yong-jun, Wu, Yi, Li
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Heidelberg SP Zhejiang University Press 01.05.2008; Springer Nature B.V; Zhejiang University Press
• Series: Science Letters
• Subjects: Animals; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Chickens; Interferon Type I - biosynthesis; Interferon-alpha - genetics; Lactuca - genetics; Lactuca sativa; Lettuce; Plant Sciences; Plants, Genetically Modified - genetics; Recombinant Proteins; Science Letters; Vesicular stomatitis virus; 基因表达; 生物活性; 鸡干扰素-α; TQ464; Bioactivity; Transgenic lettuce; Expression; Chicken alpha interferon (ChIFN-α)
• ISSN: 1673-1581; 1862-1783
• DOI: 10.1631/jzus.B0710596

We investigated the possibility of producing chicken alpha interferon （ChlFN-α） in transgenic plants. The cDNA encoding ChlFN-α was introduced into lettuce （Lactuca sativa L.） plants by using an agro-infiltration transient expression system. The ChlFN-a gene was correctly transcribed and translated in the lettuce plants according to RT-PCR and ELISA assays. Recombinant protein exhibited antiviral activity in vitro by inhibition of vesicular stomatitis virus （VSV） replication on chicken embryonic fibroblast （CEF）. The results demonstrate that biologically active avian cytokine with potential pharmaceutical applications could be expressed in transgenic lettuce plants and that it is possible to generate interferon protein in forage plants for preventing infectious diseases of poultry.