Seed-specific expression and analysis of recombinant anti-HER2 single-chain variable fragment (scFv-Fc) in Arabidopsis thaliana

•In our research, we had developed a seed specific expression system for expression of the anti-HER2 antibody.•We had investigated expression level of the antibody among transgenic Arabidopsis lines by Western Blot and Elisa methods.•Anti-HER2 scFv-Fc has anti-tumor potency against SK-BR-3 cells and is a potential method for antibody production in plants.

Antibodies to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) are a key element of breast cancer therapy; however, they are expensive to produce and their availability is limited. A seed-specific expression system can be used to produce recombinant proteins. We report a seed-specific expression system for the manufacture of anti-HER2 ScFv-Fc in Arabidopsis thaliana, driven by the Phaseolus vulgaris β-phaseolin promoter. Recombinant anti-HER2 ScFv-Fc was successfully and specifically expressed in seeds, and identified by protein analysis. The highest protein accumulation level, with a maximum of 1.1% of total soluble protein, was observed in mature seeds. We also demonstrated the anti-tumor potency of the plant-derived antibody against SK-BR-3 cells. These results suggest that seed-expression systems could contribute to the manufacture of commercial antibodies such as anti-HER2 ScFv-Fc.