The Corn Smut ('Huitlacoche') as a New Platform for Oral Vaccines

PLoS One. 2015 Jul 24;10(7):e0133535. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133535. eCollection 2015.

Abstract

The development of new alternative platforms for subunit vaccine production is a priority in the biomedical field. In this study, Ustilago maydis, the causal agent of common corn smut or 'huitlacoche'has been genetically engineered to assess expression and immunogenicity of the B subunit of the cholera toxin (CTB), a relevant immunomodulatory agent in vaccinology. An oligomeric CTB recombinant protein was expressed in corn smut galls at levels of up to 1.3 mg g-1 dry weight (0.8% of the total soluble protein). Mice orally immunized with 'huitlacoche'-derived CTB showed significant humoral responses that were well-correlated with protection against challenge with the cholera toxin (CT). These findings demonstrate the feasibility of using edible corn smut as a safe, effective, and low-cost platform for production and delivery of a subunit oral vaccine. The implications of this platform in the area of molecular pharming are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cholera / prevention & control*
  • Cholera Toxin / immunology*
  • Cholera Vaccines / biosynthesis*
  • Cholera Vaccines / immunology
  • Immunization
  • Mice
  • Molecular Farming
  • Zea mays / immunology

Substances

  • Cholera Vaccines
  • Cholera Toxin

Grants and funding

This work was financially supported by CONACYT Investigación Ciencia Básica 2008-103106 (JFJB) and UASLP-FAI-2014 (SRM) funding.