Jerzy Karczewski
Fraunhofer USA
Title: Plant-based expression of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies targeting viral and bacterial infections
Biography
Biography: Jerzy Karczewski
Abstract
2014 Liberia Ebola outbreak and subsequent treatment of two aid workers with an experimental cocktail of plant made pharmaceuticals (PMP) brought the attention of plants as a source for therapeutic proteins to the world. Expression of antibodies in plants is not novel. One of the first reported cases was in 1989, but widespread acceptance and recognition of plants as a viable manufacturing system for recombinant protein production has grown greatly in the last decade. Fraunhofer Center for Molecular Biotechnology uses transiently transformed Nicotiana benthiamana plants to express and manufacture recombinant full length murine and human antibodies for use as reagents and therapeutics. The transient transformation expression planform allows for quick screening, scale-up and pilot-scale production in a multi-use facility in rapid succession. Plants harbor no known human pathogens that add a level of safety over traditional expression systems. In addition, plant growth, antibody production and purification are performed without introduction of animal based products. Examples of plant produced mAb against viral and bacterial pathogens will be reviewed.
