Expression of an epitope-based recombinant vaccine against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMDV) in tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum)

Regarding high potential of green plants for development of recombinant vaccines, this research was conducted to evaluate expression of a novel recombinant vaccines against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMDV) in tobacco plant. For this purpose, a synthetic gene encoding 129-169 amino acids of foot and mouth disease virus capsid protein VP1 was transferred to tobacco plant via Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation. Considering codon usage optimized for tobacco, ribosome binding site and endoplasmic reticulum signal peptide were included in the synthetic gene to enhance expression level. Expression of the synthetic gene in tobacco seedlings was analyzed at transcription and translation levels and production of recombinant protein was quantified. Moreover, an in vivo immunization assay was carried out to verify immunogenicity of the expressed peptide in model animals. Results showed that expression of the recombinant protein in two lines of transgenic plants was a high as 0.65% and 0.72% of total soluble protein. The recombinant protein was able to induce immunogenic response when parenterally administered in rabbit.