Rotavirus NSP4 protein as a viral biotoxin selectively promotes cytotoxicity

Abstract Background and Aims: The number of new cancer cases with considerable mortality is increasing worldwide. Since the inability of current therapies in treatment of patients and prevention the progress of tumors with fewer side effects, implementation of new methods is needed. Gene therapy has widespread systemic cytotoxic effects against tumor cells. Rotavirus NSP4 has been shown to elicit extensive cytotoxic activities in transfected or infected cells. In this study, the biological cytotoxic effect of NSP4 rotavirus protein was investigation on TC-1 tumor cell integrity. Materials and Methods: NSP4 gene of rotavirus was cloned into the pCDH plasmid and then TC-1 tumor cells were transfected with plasmids. After reviewing the presence of this protein by SDS-PAGE and confirming NSP4 expression by western blotting using anti- NSP4 antibody, the cytotoxic effect of NSP4 expression in TC-1 tumor cells was measured by the MTT assay. Results: Significant differences were observed in the cell viability between the control groups and the group of cells that received NSP4 gene. Conclusion: Rotavirus NSP4 gene posses specific cell cytotoxicity and is potentially effective in tumor destruction.