Transient Expression of an Immunogenic Envelope Attachment Glycoprotein of Nipah Virus in Nicotiana benthamiana

• Main Authors: Gan, Khai Swan, Tan, Chon Seng, Othman, Rofina Yasmin, Harikrishna, Jennifer Ann
• Format: Article
• Published: Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 2018
• Subjects: Q Science (General); QH Natural history
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/20589/; https://doi.org/10.17576/jsm-2018-4703-09
• Institution: Universiti Malaya

The Nipah virus is highly virulent to swine and humans. The envelope attachment glycoprotein (G) of Nipah virus plays a key role in viral entry and induction of neutralizing antibody in mammalian hosts, thus is considered a good candidate for vaccine development. Plant transient expression systems are gaining recognition as a viable alternative for the production of vaccine antigens. In this study, we expressed the Nipah virus G protein heterologously in Nicotiana benthamiana using an agroinfiltration approach. The highest expression of recombinant G protein in N. benthamiana at RNA and protein levels was detected on day 9 post-infiltration. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the purified G protein reacted specifically with rabbit anti-Nipah Virus serum, indicating its potential for vaccine use.