The Expression of Japanese Encephalitis Virus Envelope Gene in Green Cos

The expression of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) envelope gene in green cos leaf was a project undertaken at the John Innes Centre during 6 September to 20 October 2018 and is one of the projects of the research training program at the John Innes Centre during long vacation every year since 2010 until now.

The summary of this research is as follows. The production of the envelope protein of the JEV in green cos by using the envelope gene expression by 8 epitopes (MEP: multiepitope) of Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine strain SA14-14-2 that provides the highest immune response against JEV. After incorporated the envelope gene into pEAQ-HT and pEAQ-HT-HBcAg-tEL vectors, we cloned genes in Escherichia coli and Agrobacterium tumefaciens, respectively, then expressed the envelope protein of JEV in green cos leaves. The result can be seen in photographs of green cos leaves by both visible light camera and ultraviolet light camera.

Further research should include the analysis and identification by chemiluminescence immunoassay and by the Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF). Further purification of the envelope protein expression of JEV in green cos that will be benefited for the production of the envelope protein of the JEV plant-based vaccine.

Key words: Japanese encephalitis virus, plant-based vaccine, chemiluminescence immunoassay, MALDI-TOF