Over-expression and production of plant allergens by molecular farming strategies

Methods. 2004 Mar;32(3):235-40. doi: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2003.08.012.

Abstract

Recombinant allergens have become a valuable tool for diagnosis and may also be used for therapy in the near future. To supply the required large amounts of functional recombinant proteins on a cost-effective basis, the production of allergens in plants by molecular farming is an alternative to microbial expression systems. Especially as post-translational modifications of the allergens, e.g., phosphorylation and glycosylation, may be important for recognition by the human immune system, the plant-based production of recombinant allergens enables the correct folding, glycosylation, and other modifications of the recombinant allergen. An introduction to the methods for plant transformation via the tumor-inducing bacterium, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, is given in this paper.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Agrobacterium tumefaciens*
  • Allergens / biosynthesis
  • Allergens / genetics*
  • Cloning, Molecular / methods*
  • Genetic Vectors*
  • Nicotiana / genetics*
  • Nicotiana / metabolism
  • Transfection / methods

Substances

  • Allergens