The use of Plum pox virus as a plant expression vector

Among the biotechnological uses of plant viruses, the expression of foreign sequences through virus-based vectors represents a promising research area. The potyvirus Plum pox virus (PPV) has been used to design expression vectors which have allowed successful expression of foreign sequences in plants, either in the form of small peptides fused to the viral coat protein, or as whole independent proteins inserted on different points of the genome. The present review describes the different PPV-based vectors that have been produced, including information regarding relevant aspects of their use, such as the optimal location of peptides or the stability of inserts. Recent developments, like the expression of proteins on stone fruit trees by using PPV-based vectors capable to infect woody plants, are also described.