Utilizing Tobacco Mosaic Virus Vectors for Agricultural and Pharmaceutical Applications to Increase Recombinant Protein Production in Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64229/35j9j334Keywords:
Tobacco Mosaic Virus, Viral Vectors, Recombinant, Molecular Farming, Vaccine Production, Plant Biotechnology, Transient ExpressionAbstract
The production of recombinant proteins for pharmaceutical, industrial, and agricultural applications remains a significant challenge in developing nations like Nigeria, where infrastructure limitations and cost constraints hinder access to conventional production systems. Plant virus-based expression systems, particularly those derived from tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), offer a promising alternative due to their high yield potential, rapid production cycles, and cost-effectiveness. This review comprehensively examines the development and optimization of TMV-based vectors for enhanced protein production, with specific attention to applications relevant to Nigeria's agricultural and public health needs. We detail the molecular mechanisms underlying TMV's efficiency as a gene expression vector, including the role of viral movement proteins, untranslated regions (UTRs), and coat protein modifications in boosting foreign protein accumulation. Recent advancements in vector design-such as TMV-Gate vectors for high-throughput applications and deconstructed viral systems for industrial-scale production-are discussed alongside optimization strategies involving host plant selection, agroinfiltration techniques, and co-expression of silencing suppressors. We present a case study conceptualizing the production of a malaria vaccine antigen in Nigerian tobacco species, addressing both technical feasibility and economic considerations. Despite challenges related to protein size limitations, host defense responses, and regulatory frameworks, TMV-based systems hold transformative potential for Nigeria's biomanufacturing capacity. This review concludes with future perspectives on adapting this technology to local contexts, emphasizing research investment, infrastructure development, and capacity building as essential components for harnessing plant molecular farming to address pressing national needs.
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