Transfer of single-chain antibody fragment (ScFv) specific for beet necrotic yellow vein virus coat protein to sugar beet

We have generated and transferred coat protein (CP) specific secombinant antibodies (rAbs) gene in sugarbeet plants, which may cause an interfere in host-pathogen interactions, leading to viral resistance. Recombinant antibody fragments (ScFvs) against BNYVV-CP was generated from appropriate hybridoma cell lines, The coding sequnces for variable regions of heavy and light chains of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) was cloned in pCANTAB 5 E.For expression higher plants, the ScFv sequence was cloned in pBI121. The specific antibody genes transferred into the plants using Agrobacterium - mediated transformation method. Putative transgenic plants were screened by dot blotting. Rooted transgenis plants are being grown for seed production and future analysis.