Development of transgenic alfalfa plants containing the foot and mouth disease virus structural polyprotein gene P1 and its utilization as an experimental immunogen.

The use of transgenic plants as vectors for the expression of viral and bacterial antigens has been increasingly tested as an alternative methodology for the production of experimental vaccines. Here, we report the production of transgenic alfalfa plants containing the genes encoding the polyprotein P1 and the protease 3C of foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV). The immunogenicity of the expressed products was tested using a mouse experimental model. Parenterally immunized mice developed a strong antibody response and were completely protected when challenged with the virulent virus. This report demonstrates the possibility of using transgenic plants to express polyprotein P1 and the protease 3C of FMDV and their utilization as effective experimental immunogens.