Expression of Single Chain Variable Fragment (scFv) Molecules in Plants: A Comprehensive Update

Abstract

Single chain variable fragments (scFvs) are generated by joining together the variable heavy and light chain of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) via a peptide linker. They offer some advantages over the parental mAb such as low molecular weight, heterologous production, multimeric form, and multivalency. The scFvs were produced against more than 50 antigens till date using 10 different plant species as the expression system. There were considerable improvements in the expression and purification strategies of scFv in the last 24 years. With the growing demand of scFv in therapeutic and diagnostic fields, its biosynthesis needs to be increased. The easiness in development, maintenance, and multiplication of transgenic plants make them an attractive expression platform for scFv production. The review intends to provide comprehensive information about the use of plant expression system to produce scFv. The developments, advantages, pitfalls, and possible prospects of improvement for the exploitation of plants in the industrial level are discussed.

Shark New Antigen Receptor (IgNAR): Structure, Characteristics and Potential Biomedical Applications

“…The desired immunogenicity in humans is exhibited by lowering the differences between the natural IgG and bispecific antibody format [ 17 , 43 , 44 , 45 ]. The engineered full-length mAbs give rise to reduction into single-chain Fv fragments (scFvs) that retain the binding specificity of the parent antibody [ 46 , 47 , 48 ], thus leading to low immunogenicity [ 49 ] as well as a potentially unique molecule to be used especially in cancer treatment [ 46 ].…”

Advances in the Therapeutic Application of Small-Molecule Inhibitors and Repurposed Drugs against Snakebite

“…In recent years another class of monoclonal antibody, called the single-chain fragment variable antibodies (scFv’s), , has also gained tremendous attention for treating venomous snakebites. − An scFv is the smallest fragment of an antibody with similar specificity and affinity of the parental antibody against the antigen , (Figure ). These antibodies have many advantages like ease of large-scale, cost-effective production in the microbial host, high tissue penetration rate, and ability to bind to target (venom toxins) with minimal risk of activating the host’s immune system. ,, Therefore, these antibody fragments offer a promising alternative to the whole IgG or its fragments due to the pharmacokinetic properties of scFv’s, which enable them to reach extravascular spaces in the affected tissues more readily .…”

“…Therefore, a future shift in focus toward developing a defined mixture of therapeutically relevant monoclonal antibodies could lead to the production of more potent antivenom products, which may lead to administration of lower dosage for the successful treatment of envenoming, thereby reducing the cost and any other adverse side effects. 251 In recent years another class of monoclonal antibody, called the single-chain fragment variable antibodies (scFv's), 240,252 has also gained tremendous attention for treating venomous snakebites. 240−242 An scFv is the smallest fragment of an antibody with similar specificity and affinity of the parental antibody against the antigen 252,253 (Figure 34).…”

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“…Third, the screened connected genes were transferred into the expression system for mass production. Common scFv expression systems include prokaryotic expression systems, eukaryotic expression systems, and plant expression systems [ 44 ]. The scFv preparation process is shown in Figure 12 .…”