Immunotherapy of enteric infections by rotaviruses and coronaviruses using plantibodies

Objective

This project proposes large-scale production of full-length antibodies and novel forms of mini-antibodies with therapeutic activity against enteric diseases of both farm animals and humans. To this end, antibodies against two important enteric pathogens, corona and rotaviruses will be expressed in plants and their ability to confer protection against animals will be assessed. Novel high-yielding plant expression systems based on mono- and bipartite viruses or on transgenic plants and plant suspension cell cultures should yield antibodies at sufficiently low cost for their wide-scale use to be a practical proposition. The expression of antibodies against unique rotavirus serotypes that infect both humans and swine, will allow the use of animal model system with a dual application to animals and humans.
In the project we have cloned and characterized porcinized L and H chains from anti-rotavirus and anti-coronavirus mAb, and we have demonstrated that small immunoproteins (SIPs) derived from them maintain the specificity and reactivity of the original.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-2. - Key action Control of Infectious Diseases

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS

Address

Campus De La Universidad Autonoma De Madrid
28049 Madrid
Spain

Participants (4)

AACHEN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Germany

Address

Worringerweg 1
52074 Aachen

FORT DODGE VETERINARIA S.A.

Spain

Address

Carretera Camprodon S/n Km 13 Finca "La Riba"
17813 Vall De Bianya

INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR GENETIC ENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

Italy

Address

Padriciano 99
34012 Basovizza

JOHN INNES CENTRE

United Kingdom

Address

Colney Lane Norwich Research Park
NR4 7UH Norwich