How are the recombinant proteins / vaccines produced in the milk of transgenic rabbits?
Among all the proteins that occur in milk, only six are specifically produced by mammary cells. These specific proteins fall into two biochemical classes: caseins and milk serum proteins (whey proteins). The production of a given protein in milk can be obtained by transferring to rabbit embryos the cDNA encoding this protein combined with mammary gland specific gene promoter. Additional regulatory sequences such as enhancers or insulators can help control the level of gene expression. The Company has exclusive licenses from INRA (French Agronomy Research Institute) on the rabbit WAP (Whey Acidic Protein) gene promoter and on a gene insulator. BioProtein Technologies also has exclusive know-how on the transcribed region components (introns, enhancer and terminator). These key elements allow BioProtein Technologies to target the very efficient production of recombinant proteins in the milk of transgenic rabbits.
