Single-Chain Fv Antibodies Expressed in Plants

Methods of gene cloning and genetic engineering of immunoglobulins and transgenic plant techniques have given rise to new approaches in plant biotechnology (1 ). The high affinity and specificity of antibodies to different structures can be used to block regulation factors in plant cells by expression of specifically designed antibody constructs (2 ). Antibodies expressed in plants can also be used to influence and block plant pathogen development and action (3 ,4 ). Furthermore, plant cells, especially plant storage organs, can serve as factories for the production of antibodies of biotechnological interest (5 ).