Humans Have Antibodies against a Plant Virus: Evidence from Tobacco Mosaic Virus

Abstract

Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), a widespread plant pathogen, is found in tobacco (including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco) as well as in many other plants. Plant viruses do not replicate or cause infection in humans or other mammals. This study was done to determine whether exposure to tobacco products induces an immune response to TMV in humans. Using a sandwich ELISA assay, we detected serum anti-TMV antibodies (IgG, IgG1, IgG3, IgG4, IgA, and IgM) in all subjects enrolled in the study (20 healthy smokers, 20 smokeless-tobacco users, and 20 non-smokers). Smokers had a higher level of serum anti-TMV IgG antibodies than non-smokers, while the serum level of anti-TMV IgA from smokeless tobacco users was lower than smokers and non-smokers. Using bioinformatics, we also found that the human protein TOMM40L (an outer mitochondrial membrane 40 homolog – like translocase) contains a strong homology of six contiguous amino acids to the TMV coat protein, and TOMM40L peptide exhibited cross-reactivity with anti-TMV antibodies. People who smoke cigarettes or other tobacco products experience a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, but the mechanism by which this occurs is unclear. Our results showing molecular mimicry between TMV and human TOMM40L raise the question as to whether TMV has a potential role in smokers against Parkinson’s disease development. The potential mechanisms of molecular mimicry between plant viruses and human disease should be further explored.

Stealth filaments: Polymer chain length and conformation affect the in vivo fate of PEGylated potato virus X

“…In addition, a recent study suggested prevalence of anti-tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) antibodies in humans. [36] Therefore, we set out to determine the IgG titers after repeat administration of various PVX-based formulations and to test whether produced antibodies would recognize the stealth PVX-PEG filaments.…”

POxylation as an alternative stealth coating for biomedical applications

“…Stealth coatings with polymers have been shown to reduce antibody recognition and clearance of (virus-based) nanoparticles [29]. Both PEG and anti-TMV antibodies have been detected in human subjects, likely due to their presence in cosmetics (PEG) [2], and food chain as well as tobacco products (TMV) [38]. Therefore it is critical to assess whether PEG or POx coatings are efficient to overcome antibody recognition.…”

“…Furthermore, it should be noted that plant viruses are in the food chain. On one hand this is a potentially positive attribute, because our bodies have already experienced plant viruses, on the other hand, prevalence of anti-TMV antibodies in healthy volunteers has been reported [38]. Therefore, to improve bioavailability the next-generation of viral nanoparticles must include stealth surface treatments to avoid immune clearance.…”

Single-dose monomeric HA subunit vaccine generates full protection from influenza challenge

“…This is an important characteristic, given most of the human population has been exposed to TMV through food and tobacco, and have pre-existing anti-TMV IgG titers. 47 Conjugation method also has a significant impact on the quality of the immune response. Glutaraldehyde, which uses random vinyl addition to crosslink proteins, was effective in linking HA to TMV, and stimulated robust single dose titers.…”