In silico analysis and in planta production of recombinant ccl21/IL1[beta] protein and characterization of its in vitro anti-tumor and immunogenic activity

CCL21 has an essential role in anti-tumor immune activity. Epitopes of IL1[beta] have adjuvant activity without causing inflammatory responses. CCR7 and its ligands play a vital role in the immune balance; specifically, in transport of T lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells to the lymph nodes. This study aimed to produce epitopes of CCL21 and IL1[beta] as a recombinant protein and characterize its in vitro anti-tumor and immunogenic activity. A codon-optimized ccl21/IL1[beta] gene was designed and synthesized from human genes. Stability and binding affinity of CCL21/IL1[beta] protein and CCR7 receptor were examined through in silico analyses. The construct was introduced into N. tabacum to produce this recombinant protein and the structure and function of CCL21/IL1[beta] were examined. Purified protein from transgenic leaves generated a strong signal in SDS PAGE and western blotting assays. FTIR measurement and MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrography showed that ccl21/IL-1[beta] was correctly expressed in tobacco plants. Potential activity of purified CCL21/IL1[beta] in stimulating the proliferation and migration of MCF7 cancer cell line was investigated using the wound healing method. The results demonstrated a decrease in survival rate and metastasization of cancer cells in the presence of CCL21/IL1[beta], and IC.sub.50 of CCL21 on MCF7 cells was less than that of non-recombinant protein. Agarose assay on PBMCsCCR7+ showed that CCL21/IL1[beta] has biological activity and there is a distinguishable difference between chemokinetic (CCL21) and chemotactic (FBS) movements. Overall, the results suggest that CCL21/IL1[beta] could be considered an effective adjuvant in future in vivo and clinical tests.