Abstract: Expression of avian cytokine in tobacco or other plants had the economically potential use for producing pharmacological applications products and applying easily in practice . The cDNA encoding chicken alpha interferon (ChIFN-α) was introduced into Nicotiana tabacum Xanthin by Agrobacterium transformation . The transgenic plants were detected by histochemical stain assay and molecular analysis . Recombinant ChIFN-αwas confirmed by enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibition assay . The results showed that ChIFN-α gene was successfully introduced into tobacco plants and stably expressed at various level from 0 .0003% to 0. 0033% of total soluble protein. The biological activity of ChIFN-αwas 5 .01×103 IU􊄯g of tissue in vitro . Since interferon was involved in host antiviral response, our results provided the possibility for further study of plant oral adjuvant with ChIFN-αfor improving immunity in birds .

Key words: ChIFN-α