Tobacco as green bioreactor for therapeutic protein production: latest breakthroughs and optimization strategies

In recent years, higher plants have emerged as intrinsic sources for generating vast quantities of valuable therapeutic proteins to meet the demands of disease prevention or treatment in humans and other animals. The emergence of genetic engineering technologies has made it possible to directly transform or modify the expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis of biologically active compounds. Numerous research projects have resulted in the development of various efficient plant systems that are capable of producing specific recombinant proteins. Among these plants, tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) exhibits adaptability, efficient genetic transformation/regeneration, and the capacity to produce significant amounts of leaf biomass. These qualities contribute to high yields of target proteins, facilitating efficient extraction and purification, making it an ideal candidate for plant-based protein production. The objective of this review is to provide a thorough overview of the use of tobacco in the production of recombinant proteins. It covers recent advancements in the field and provides a summary of crucial factors to bear in mind when employing tobacco as a system for recombinant protein production. The emphasis lies on optimizing the genetic aspects as well as the subsequent processes of rapid and cost-effective production/purification/efficacy of specific therapeutic proteins in tobacco.