Production of Fab Fragment Corresponding to Surface Protein Antigen of Streptococcus mutans Serotype c-Derived Peptide by Escherichia coli and Cultured Tobacco Cells

The cDNA of a mouse Fab fragment was cloned from a hybridoma cell line that produces a mouse monoclonal antibody, KH5, that reacts with the peptide fragment of the surface protein antigen of Streptococcus mutans serotype c (PAc). After transfection with cDNA, recombinant Fab fragments were produced by Escherichia coli (T15 Fab) and cultured tobacco cells (X253 and X262 Fabs). The antipeptide activities of T15 and X253 were similar to that of KH5. X253 was secreted into the culture media, which had a specific affinity for the PAc peptide.