Over expression of a synthetic gene encoding interferon lambda using relative synonymous Codon usage bias in Escherichia coli

Interferon lambda (ifn-λ) is a type iii interferon which belongs to a novel family of cytokines and possesses antiviral and antitumor properties. it is unique in its own class of cytokines; because of the specificity towards its heterodimer receptors and its structural similarities with cytokines of other classes. this renders ifn-λ a better choice for the treatment against many diseases including viral hepatitis and human coronavirus (hcov-emc). the present study describes a computational approach known as relative synonymous codon usage (rscu); used to enhance the expression of ifn-λ protein in a eukaryotic expression system. manually designed and commercially synthesized ifn-λ gene was cloned into pet-22b expression plasmid under the control of inducible t7-lac promoter. maximum levels of ifn-λ expression was observed with 0.4 mm iptg in transformed e. coli incubated for 4 hours in lb medium. higher concentrations of iptg had no or negative effect on the expression of ifn-λ. this synthetically over expressed ifn-λ can be tested as a targeted treatment option for viral hepatitis after purification.