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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2021.12.07.471131

Plant-based expression of SARS-CoV-2 antigens for use in an oral vaccine

Power, M.·Azad, T.·Bell, J. C.·MacLean, A.
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Abstract

Oral and intra-nasal vaccines represent a key means of inducing mucosal-based immunity against infection with SARS-CoV-2, yet such vaccines represent only a minority of candidates currently in development. In this brief communication, we assessed the expression of the SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) subunit of the surface-exposed Spike glycoprotein in the leaves of nine edible plant species (lettuce, spinach, collard greens, tomato, cucumber, radish, arugula, pepper, and Coho greens), with a goal of identifying a suitable candidate for the development of an oral vaccine against COVID-19. We report lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Hilde II Improved) to be a preferred host to support in planta expression of SARS-CoV-2 RBD, representing an important first step towards development of a plant-based oral vaccine.

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Power, M., Azad, T., Bell, J. C., MacLean, A.. 2021-12-09. Plant-based expression of SARS-CoV-2 antigens for use in an oral vaccine. https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.12.07.471131

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