The group has exploited a highly efficient transient expression system developed in our laboratory (the CPMV-HT system) to produce a range of pharmacologically active proteins, including antibodies and virus-like particles, in plants. In the case of Bluetongue virus (BTV), plant-produced particles have been shown to be able to protect sheep against bluetongue disease. Work in this area has resulted in the filing of several patents. The group has also been involved in projects that have demonstrated the utility of the CPMV-HT transient expression system for the analysis, manipulation and re-engineering of plant secondary metabolite biosynthetic pathways. Research on protein expression in plants, including secondary metabolite biosynthesis, resulted in Frank Sainsbury (a Ph.D student at the John Innes Centre) and I being named BBSRC Overall Innovators of the Year in 2012

Research in our lab is primarily focussed on the exploitation of plant viruses in bio- and nanotechnology technology.