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Bharathi JK, Suresh P, Prakash MAS, Muneer S. Exploring recent progress of molecular farming for therapeutic and recombinant molecules in plant systems. Heliyon 2024; 10:e37634. [PMID: 39309966 PMCID: PMC11416299 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 08/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
An excellent technique for producing pharmaceuticals called "molecular farming" enables the industrial mass production of useful recombinant proteins in genetically modified organisms. Protein-based pharmaceuticals are rising in significance because of a variety of factors, including their bioreactivity, precision, safety, and efficacy rate. Heterologous expression methods for the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products have been previously employed using yeast, bacteria, and animal cells. However, the high cost of mammalian cell system, and production, the chance for product complexity, and contamination, and the hurdles of scaling up to commercial production are the limitations of these traditional expression methods. Plants have been raised as a hopeful replacement system for the expression of biopharmaceutical products due to their potential benefits, which include low production costs, simplicity in scaling up to commercial manufacturing levels, and a lower threat of mammalian toxin contaminations and virus infections. Since plants are widely utilized as a source of therapeutic chemicals, molecular farming offers a unique way to produce molecular medicines such as recombinant antibodies, enzymes, growth factors, plasma proteins, and vaccines whose molecular basis for use in therapy is well established. Biopharming provides more economical and extensive pharmaceutical drug supplies, including vaccines for contagious diseases and pharmaceutical proteins for the treatment of conditions like heart disease and cancer. To assess its technical viability and the efficacy resulting from the adoption of molecular farming products, the following review explores the various methods and methodologies that are currently employed to create commercially valuable molecules in plant systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jothi Kanmani Bharathi
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, 608002, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Preethika Suresh
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil-Nadu, India
- Department of Horticulture and Food Science, School of Agricultural Innovations and Advanced Learning, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil-Nadu, India
| | - Muthu Arjuna Samy Prakash
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, 608002, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sowbiya Muneer
- Department of Horticulture and Food Science, School of Agricultural Innovations and Advanced Learning, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil-Nadu, India
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Carlson-Stevermer J, Das A, Abdeen AA, Fiflis D, Grindel BI, Saxena S, Akcan T, Alam T, Kletzien H, Kohlenberg L, Goedland M, Dombroe MJ, Saha K. Design of efficacious somatic cell genome editing strategies for recessive and polygenic diseases. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6277. [PMID: 33293555 PMCID: PMC7722885 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20065-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Compound heterozygous recessive or polygenic diseases could be addressed through gene correction of multiple alleles. However, targeting of multiple alleles using genome editors could lead to mixed genotypes and adverse events that amplify during tissue morphogenesis. Here we demonstrate that Cas9-ribonucleoprotein-based genome editors can correct two distinct mutant alleles within a single human cell precisely. Gene-corrected cells in an induced pluripotent stem cell model of Pompe disease expressed the corrected transcript from both corrected alleles, leading to enzymatic cross-correction of diseased cells. Using a quantitative in silico model for the in vivo delivery of genome editors into the developing human infant liver, we identify progenitor targeting, delivery efficiencies, and suppression of imprecise editing outcomes at the on-target site as key design parameters that control the efficacy of various therapeutic strategies. This work establishes that precise gene editing to correct multiple distinct gene variants could be highly efficacious if designed appropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared Carlson-Stevermer
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Amritava Das
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Amr A Abdeen
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David Fiflis
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Benjamin I Grindel
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Shivani Saxena
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Tugce Akcan
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Tausif Alam
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Heidi Kletzien
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lucille Kohlenberg
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Madelyn Goedland
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Micah J Dombroe
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Krishanu Saha
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- Retina Research Foundation Kathryn and Latimer Murfee Chair, Madison, WI, USA.
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Shanmugaraj B, Malla A, Phoolcharoen W. Emergence of Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV: Need for Rapid Vaccine and Biologics Development. Pathogens 2020; 9:E148. [PMID: 32098302 PMCID: PMC7168632 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9020148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is an emerging pathogen that was first identified in Wuhan, China in late December 2019. This virus is responsible for the ongoing outbreak that causes severe respiratory illness and pneumonia-like infection in humans. Due to the increasing number of cases in China and outside China, the WHO declared coronavirus as a global health emergency. Nearly 35,000 cases were reported and at least 24 other countries or territories have reported coronavirus cases as early on as February. Inter-human transmission was reported in a few countries, including the United States. Neither an effective anti-viral nor a vaccine is currently available to treat this infection. As the virus is a newly emerging pathogen, many questions remain unanswered regarding the virus's reservoirs, pathogenesis, transmissibility, and much more is unknown. The collaborative efforts of researchers are needed to fill the knowledge gaps about this new virus, to develop the proper diagnostic tools, and effective treatment to combat this infection. Recent advancements in plant biotechnology proved that plants have the ability to produce vaccines or biopharmaceuticals rapidly in a short time. In this review, the outbreak of 2019-nCoV in China, the need for rapid vaccine development, and the potential of a plant system for biopharmaceutical development are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balamurugan Shanmugaraj
- Research unit for Plant-produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (B.S.); (A.M.)
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Ashwini Malla
- Research unit for Plant-produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (B.S.); (A.M.)
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
- Research unit for Plant-produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (B.S.); (A.M.)
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Singh A, Kaur G, Singh S, Singh N, Saxena G, Verma PC. Recombinant Plant Engineering for Immunotherapeutic Production. CURRENT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS 2017; 3:306-316. [PMID: 32226727 PMCID: PMC7099902 DOI: 10.1007/s40610-017-0078-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The requirement for large quantities of therapeutic proteins has fueled a great interest in the production of recombinant proteins in plant bioreactors. The vaccines and bio-therapeutic protein production in plants hold the promise of significantly lowering the cost of manufacturing life-saving drugs. This review will reflect the current status and challenges that the molecular farming platform faces becoming a strategic solution for the development of low-cost bio-therapeutics for developing countries. RECENT FINDINGS Different plant parts have been successfully identified as suitable expression systems for the commercial production of therapeutic proteins for some human and animal diseases ranging from common cold to AIDS. The processed therapeutics from such sources are devoid of any toxic components. The large-scale cultivation of these transgenic plants would be possible anywhere in the world including developing countries, which lack sophisticated drug manufacturing units. A couple of such commercially generated products have already hit the market with success. Newer methods using suitable plant viruses and recombinant gene expression systems have already been devised for producing therapeutic proteins and peptides. SUMMARY Plants are promising bio-factories for therapeutic protein production because of their several advantages over the other expression systems especially the advanced mechanisms for protein synthesis and post-translational modification which are very much similar to animal cells. Plant biotechnologists are much attracted to the bio-farming because of its flexibility, scalability, low manufacturing cost, as well as the lack of risk of toxic or pathogenic contamination. A number of projects on bio-farming are designed and are at various developmental stages but have not yet become available to the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, we need further advancement in the optimization of lab protocols for up-scaling the production of such therapeutics at commercial level with a promise to offer their best clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Singh
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi, 110025 India
| | - Gurminder Kaur
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector 125, Noida, 201303 India
| | - Sanchita Singh
- Genetics and Plant Molecular Biology Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow, U.P 226001 India
| | - Neetu Singh
- Instrumentation Research Facility, Jawahar Lal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067 India
| | - Gauri Saxena
- Department of Botany, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, 226001 India
| | - Praveen C. Verma
- Genetics and Plant Molecular Biology Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow, U.P 226001 India
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Reconceptualizing cancer immunotherapy based on plant production systems. Future Sci OA 2017; 3:FSO217. [PMID: 28884013 PMCID: PMC5583679 DOI: 10.4155/fsoa-2017-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants can be used as inexpensive and facile production platforms for vaccines and other biopharmaceuticals. More recently, plant-based biologics have expanded to include cancer immunotherapy agents. The following review describes the current state of the art for plant-derived strategies to prevent or reduce cancers. The review discusses avenues taken to prevent infection by oncogenic viruses, solid tumors and lymphomas. Strategies including cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies and virus nanoparticles are described, and examples are provided. The review ends with a discussion of the implications of plant-based cancer immunotherapy for developing countries. Cancer immunotherapy has made great strides over recent years. This review describes the use of plants as production systems to produce biopharmaceuticals such as vaccines and antibodies to treat a wide variety of cancers. The use of nanoparticle technology based on plant viruses as a novel strategy to target and combat cancers is also included. The review concludes with a discussion of plant production platforms and their relevance for the generation of cheap and effective cancer immunotherapies for developing countries.
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Chan HT, Daniell H. Plant-made oral vaccines against human infectious diseases-Are we there yet? PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2015; 13:1056-70. [PMID: 26387509 PMCID: PMC4769796 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2015] [Revised: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Although the plant-made vaccine field started three decades ago with the promise of developing low-cost vaccines to prevent infectious disease outbreaks and epidemics around the globe, this goal has not yet been achieved. Plants offer several major advantages in vaccine generation, including low-cost production by eliminating expensive fermentation and purification systems, sterile delivery and cold storage/transportation. Most importantly, oral vaccination using plant-made antigens confers both mucosal (IgA) and systemic (IgG) immunity. Studies in the past 5 years have made significant progress in expressing vaccine antigens in edible leaves (especially lettuce), processing leaves or seeds through lyophilization and achieving antigen stability and efficacy after prolonged storage at ambient temperatures. Bioencapsulation of antigens in plant cells protects them from the digestive system; the fusion of antigens to transmucosal carriers enhances efficiency of their delivery to the immune system and facilitates successful development of plant vaccines as oral boosters. However, the lack of oral priming approaches diminishes these advantages because purified antigens, cold storage/transportation and limited shelf life are still major challenges for priming with adjuvants and for antigen delivery by injection. Yet another challenge is the risk of inducing tolerance without priming the host immune system. Therefore, mechanistic aspects of these two opposing processes (antibody production or suppression) are discussed in this review. In addition, we summarize recent progress made in oral delivery of vaccine antigens expressed in plant cells via the chloroplast or nuclear genomes and potential challenges in achieving immunity against infectious diseases using cold-chain-free vaccine delivery approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Henry Daniell
- Correspondence (Tel 215 746 2563; fax 215 898 3695; )
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Mucosal Vaccines from Plant Biotechnology. Mucosal Immunol 2015. [PMCID: PMC7158328 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-415847-4.00065-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The use of plants for production of recombinant proteins has evolved over the past 25 years. The first plant-based vaccines were expressed in stably transgenic plants, with the idea to conveniently deliver “edible vaccines” by ingestion of the antigen-containing plant material. These systems provided a proof of concept that oral delivery of vaccines in crude plant material could stimulate antigen-specific serum and mucosal antibodies. Transgenic grains like rice in particular provide a stable and robust vehicle for antigen delivery. However, some issues exist with stably transgenic plants, including relatively low expression levels and regulatory issues. Thus, many recent studies use transient expression with plant viral vectors to achieve rapid high expression in Nicotiana benthamiana, followed by purification of antigen and intranasal delivery for effective stimulation of mucosal immune responses.
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Production of pharmaceutical proteins in solanaceae food crops. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:2753-73. [PMID: 23434646 PMCID: PMC3588013 DOI: 10.3390/ijms14022753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Revised: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The benefits of increased safety and cost-effectiveness make vegetable crops appropriate systems for the production and delivery of pharmaceutical proteins. In particular, Solanaceae edible crops could be inexpensive biofactories for oral vaccines and other pharmaceutical proteins that can be ingested as minimally processed extracts or as partially purified products. The field of crop plant biotechnology is advancing rapidly due to novel developments in genetic and genomic tools being made available today for the scientific community. In this review, we briefly summarize data now available regarding genomic resources for the Solanaceae family. In addition, we describe novel strategies developed for the expression of foreign proteins in vegetable crops and the utilization of these techniques to manufacture pharmaceutical proteins.
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