EdiLabs Team & Partner Publications
A selected list of peer‑reviewed work by EdiLabs and our collaborators across neurobiology, immunology, plant‑based biologics, and preclinical development.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression in Vivo Is under the Control of Neuron-Restrictive Silencer Element
Author: Timmusk, T.; Palm, K.; Lendahl, U.; Metsis, M.
Journal: Journal of Biological Chemistry, 1999, 274(2), 1078–1084
Summary: In transgenic mice expressing BDNF promoter–reporter constructs, mutation of the neuron-restrictive silencer element (NRSE) led to loss of repression in non-neural tissues and altered both basal and activity-dependent expression in neurons. This work delineates distinct NRSE-mediated regulatory mechanisms governing tissue-specific and inducible BDNF expression in vivo.
🔗 Read on JBC
Neuronal Expression of Zinc Finger Transcription Factor REST/NRSF/XBR Gene
Author: Palm, K.; Belluardo, N.; Metsis, M.; et al.
Journal: Journal of Neuroscience, 1998, 18(4), 1280–1296
Summary: This study maps the neuronal expression patterns of the REST/NRSF transcription factor, demonstrating its role in repressing non-neuronal genes and highlighting mechanisms of neuronal gene regulation in the mature brain.
🔗 Read on Journal of Neuroscience
Structural and Functional Features of the P2X4 Receptor: An Immunological Perspective
Authors: Kanellopoulos, J. M.; Rüütel Boudinot, S., et al.
Journal: Frontiers in Immunology, 2021
Summary: Co-authored by Dr. Sirje Rüütel Boudinot, this paper explores the role of P2X4 receptors in immune signalling and neuroimmune regulation.
🔗 Read on Frontiers
Evolutionary Origin of the P2X7 C-ter Region: Capture of an Ancient Ballast Domain by a P2X4-Like Gene in Ancient Jawed Vertebrates
Author: Rump, A.; Smolander, O. P.; Rüütel Boudinot, S.; Kanellopoulos, J. M.; Boudinot, P.
Journal: Frontiers in Immunology, 2020, 11:113
Summary: This study traces the fusion event that gave rise to the mammalian P2X7 receptor by comparing C-terminal ballast domain sequences across Metazoa. It demonstrates that an ancient P2X4-like gene acquired a zinc-coordinating “ballast” exon—defining key features of P2X7’s non-desensitising function and its role in inflammation and immunity.
🔗 Read on Frontiers in Immunology
Accelerating Drug Discovery for Alzheimer’s Disease: Best Practices for Preclinical Animal Studies
Authors: Shineman et al., involving Charles River Discovery Services
Journal: Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation / BMC, 2011
Summary: A whitepaper outlining methodological standards for Alzheimer’s preclinical models, jointly authored by experts including Charles River.
🔗 Read on PMC
Trastuzumab Made in Plants Using vivoXPRESS® Platform Technology
Author: Michael D. McLean, Director of Research, PlantForm Corporation, Canada
Journal: Journal of Drug Design and Research, 2017
Summary: Demonstrates functional production of therapeutic monoclonal antibody trastuzumab in plants using PlantForm’s transient expression platform.
🔗 Read on JSciMed Central
Bacterial Growth-Mediated Systems Remodelling of Nicotiana benthamiana Defines Unique Signatures of Target Protein Production in Molecular Pharming
Author: Prudhomme, N.; Pastora, R.; Thomson, S.; Zheng, E.; Sproule, A.; Krieger, J. R.; Murphy, J. P.; Overy, D. P.; Cossar, D.; McLean, M. D.; Geddes-McAlister, J.
Journal: Plant Biotechnology Journal, 2024
Summary: This study characterises how variations in bacterial growth conditions reshape the cellular environment of Nicotiana benthamiana, revealing specific proteomic and metabolic signatures that optimise target protein yields in plant-based production systems.
🔗 Read on Wiley Online Library
A Broad and Potent H1-Specific Human Monoclonal Antibody Produced in Plants Prevents Influenza Virus Infection and Transmission in Guinea Pigs
Author: Park, J.-G.; Ye, C.; Piepenbrink, M. S.; Nogales, A.; Wang, H.; Shuen, M.; Meyers, A. J.; Martinez-Sobrido, L.; Kobie, J. J.
Journal: Viruses, 2020, 12(2):167
Summary: A fully human H1-specific monoclonal antibody was transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana developed by PlantForm. When administered to guinea pigs, the plant-derived antibody provided both prophylactic and therapeutic protection against influenza A infection and effectively blocked viral transmission.
🔗 Read on PubMed
Identification of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Promoter Regions Mediating Tissue-Specific, Axotomy-, and Neuronal Activity-Induced Expression in Transgenic Mice
Author: Timmusk, T.; Lendahl, U.; Funakoshi, H.; Arenas, E.; Persson, H.; Metsis, M.
Journal: Journal of Cell Biology, 1995, 128(1), 185–199
Summary: This study employs six BDNF promoter–reporter constructs in transgenic mice to pinpoint genomic regions that drive tissue-specific expression and respond to axotomy, kainic acid–induced seizures, and spreading depression. The findings demonstrate that distinct promoter elements independently regulate diverse aspects of BDNF expression in vivo.
🔗 Read on Journal of Cell Biology
“We will need to find ways of delivering therapies safely and more easily”
Prof. Nick Fox, Director of the UCL Dementia Research Centre. Reaction to phase 3 trial results of lecanemab for early Alzheimer’s disease (2022)
Edible Biologics & Plant‑Based Therapeutics
A selection of foundational and recent papers on plant‑made, orally delivered biologics, highlighting the platform technologies that enable edible immunotherapies.
Note: The following are externally authored publications, selected for their relevance.
Edible Vaccines: Promises and Challenges
Author: Kurup, V. M. & Thomas, J.
Journal: Molecular Biotechnology, 2020, 62(2), 79–90
Summary: A comprehensive review of plant‑based edible vaccines, highlighting potential benefits such as low cost and oral delivery, alongside key challenges including antigen dosage control, stability, and regulatory considerations.
🔗 Read on Springer
Production of Tetravalent Dengue Virus Envelope Protein Domain III Based Antigens in Lettuce Chloroplasts and Immunologic Analysis for Future Oral Vaccine Development
Author: van Eerde, A., Gottschamel, J., Bock, R., Hansen, K. E. A., Munang’andu, H. M., Daniell, H., & Liu Clarke, J.
Journal: Plant Biotechnology Journal, 2019, 17(7), 1408–1417
Summary: Demonstrated high‑level chloroplast expression of tetravalent dengue Envelope Domain III antigens in lettuce, and showed that oral delivery of lyophilised leaf material elicited specific IgG and mucosal IgA responses in animal models, advancing the feasibility of plant‑based oral vaccines.
🔗 Read on Wiley Online Library
Molecular Farming for Immunization: Current Advances and Future Prospects in Plant‑Produced Vaccines
Author: Vo, D. K. & Trinh, K. T. L.
Journal: Vaccines, 2025, 13(2)
Summary: Reviews recent progress in molecular farming approaches for vaccine production, covering expression platforms, downstream processing, and regulatory pathways, and discusses future directions for plant‑derived vaccines in global immunisation programs.
🔗 Read on MDPI
Production of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen in Transgenic Plants for Oral Immunization
Author: Richter, L. J.; Thanavala, Y.; Arntzen, C. J.; Mason, H. S.
Journal: Nature Biotechnology, 2000, 18(11), 1167–1171
Summary: Transgenic potato tubers expressing recombinant HBsAg elicited a measurable serum antibody response in mice after oral feeding, which was significantly boosted by a subimmunogenic intraperitoneal dose of commercial vaccine. The study further identifies genetic elements and ER-targeting signals that enhance HBsAg accumulation in plant cells, informing strategies to improve oral vaccine efficacy.
🔗 Read on Nature Biotechnology
A Rice-Based Edible Vaccine Expressing Multiple T Cell Epitopes Induces Oral Tolerance for Inhibition of Th2-Mediated IgE Responses
Author: Takagi, H.; Hiroi, T.; Yang, L.; Tada, Y.; Yuki, Y.; Takamura, K.; Ishimitsu, R.; Kawauchi, H.; Kiyono, H.; Takaiwa, F.
Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2005, 102(21), 7503–7508
Summary: Transgenic rice seeds expressing dominant T cell epitopes from Cry j I and Cry j II allergens as a glycinin fusion protein were fed orally to mice. This treatment inhibited allergen-specific IgE/IgG production, Th2 cytokine release (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13), and clinical sneezing symptoms, demonstrating mucosal induction of oral tolerance via plant-based epitope delivery.
🔗 Read on PubMed
Manufacturing Economics of Plant-Made Biologics: Case Studies in Therapeutic and Industrial Enzymes
Author: Tusé, D.; McDonald, K. A.; Holtz, B. R.; et al.
Journal: Biotechnology for Biofuels, 2020, 13:266
Summary: A peer-reviewed cost analysis comparing plant-made and conventional biologic production for therapeutic proteins and industrial enzymes, highlighting significant economic advantages of plant-based manufacturing at scale.
Link: Read on ResearchGate
Expression of Norwalk Virus Capsid Protein in Transgenic Tobacco and Potato and Its Oral Immunogenicity in Mice
Author: Mason, H. S.; Ball, J. M.; Shi, J. J.; Jiang, X.; Estes, M. K.; Arntzen, C. J.
Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 1996, 93(11), 5335–5340
Summary: Transgenic tobacco and potato plants expressing Norwalk virus capsid protein assembled into virus-like particles. Oral administration of leaf extracts or tubers to mice induced both systemic IgG and mucosal IgA responses, demonstrating the feasibility of edible plant-derived vaccines.
🔗 Read on PNAS
“..the field is broadening and moving closer to treating Alzheimer’s with combination therapy and precision medicine…”
Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (2025)
Recent Advances in Alzheimer’s Diagnostics & Immunotherapies
A curated selection of up‑to‑date reviews and studies showcasing breakthroughs in minimally invasive blood biomarkers, plasma assays, and novel immune‑based treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.
Note: The following are externally authored publications, selected for their relevance.
Towards Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease: Advances in Immune‑Related Blood Biomarkers and Computational Modeling Approaches
Author: Krix, Wilczynski, Falgàs, Sánchez‑Valle, Yoles, Nevo, Baruch, Fröhlich et al.
Journal: ArXiv, 2023
Summary: Reviews cutting‑edge blood‑based immune biomarkers and mechanistic/computational methods (agent‑based modeling, machine learning) for early Alzheimer’s detection, highlighting the move toward minimally invasive, high‑throughput diagnostics.
🔗 Read on Frontiers
Recent Advances in Drug Development for Alzheimer’s Disease: A Comprehensive Review
Author: Xing, H.; Yue, S.; Qin, R.; Du, X.; Wu, Y.; Zhangsun, D.; Luo, S.
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2025, 26(8), 3905
Summary: This review details the multifactorial pathology of Alzheimer’s disease (amyloid-β accumulation, tau hyperphosphorylation, synaptic dysfunction, and neuroinflammation) and surveys recent therapeutic developments targeting each mechanism. It discusses challenges in drug design and delivery, and outlines future research directions for more effective, disease-modifying treatments.
🔗 Read on MDPI
Alzheimer’s Disease Drug Development Pipeline: 2025
Author: Cummings, J. L.; Zhou, Y.; Lee, G.; Zhong, K.; Fonseca, J.; Leisgang-Osse, A. M.; Cheng, F.
Journal: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, 2025
Summary: Analysis of 182 registered AD clinical trials covering 138 drugs reveals that 30% are biological disease-targeted therapies, 43% are small-molecule DTTs, 14% focus on cognitive enhancement, and 11% target neuropsychiatric symptoms. Biomarkers feature as primary outcomes in 27% of trials, and 33% of agents are repurposed. Both the number of trials and investigational drugs have increased compared to 2024.
🔗 Read on Wiley Online Library
Current Advances of Plant‑Based Vaccines for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Author: Bravo‑Vázquez, L. A., Mora‑Hernández, E. O., Rodríguez, A. L., Sahare, P., Bandyopadhyay, A., Duttaroy, A. K., & Paul, S.
Journal: Pharmaceutics, 2023, 15(2)
Summary: Reviews the development of plant‑based vaccine candidates targeting neurodegenerative conditions, highlighting antigen design, delivery methods, and preclinical efficacy data relevant to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
🔗 Read on MDPI
A Multi‑Targeting Immunotherapy Ameliorates Multiple Facets of Alzheimer’s Disease in 3xTg Mice
Author: Feng, X., Hou, Y., Liu, J., Yan, F., Dai, M., Chen, M., Wang, J., Li, J., Liu, Z., Sun, D., Zhang, Y., Yu, X., Kong, W., & Wu, H.
Journal: NPJ Vaccines, 2024, 9(1)
Summary: Reports on a novel immunotherapy that simultaneously targets amyloid-β, tau, and neuroinflammation in the 3xTg mouse model, resulting in reduced pathology and improved cognitive function.
🔗 Read on Nature
Development of Alzheimer’s Disease Immunotherapies Using Conformationally Constrained β‑Strands and β‑Hairpins from Aβ and Tau
Author: Kreutzer, A., Zhu, J., Plancarte, J., Ruttenberg, S., & Nowick, J.
Journal: Alzheimer’s & Dementia, January 2025, 20(S8)
Summary: Describes the design of peptide immunogens based on conformationally constrained segments of Aβ and tau, eliciting targeted antibody responses against pathological protein aggregates.
🔗 Read on Wiley Online Library
Novel Strategy for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment through Oral Vaccine Therapy with Amyloid Beta
Author: Matsuzaka, Y. & Yashiro, R.
Journal: Biologics, 2023, 3(1), 23–39
Summary: Proposes and evaluates an oral vaccine approach using amyloid‑β antigen expressed in plant cells, demonstrating immunogenicity and cognitive benefit in animal models.
🔗 Read on MDPI
Amyloid β‑Based Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease: Challenges, Successes and Future
Author: Zhang, Y., Chen, H., Li, R., Sterling, K., & Song, W.
Journal: Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, 2023, 8(1)
Summary: Reviews Aβ‑targeting therapeutic modalities, including vaccines, antibodies, and small molecules, highlighting clinical trial outcomes and strategies to overcome immunogenicity and safety hurdles.
🔗 Read on Nature