ABSTRACT
Interferon Lambda [IFN- Lamda] 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- Lamda 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- Lamda protein in a eukaryotic expression system. Manually designed and commercially synthesized IFN- Lamda gene was cloned into pET-22b expression plasmid under the control of inducible T7-lac promoter. Maximum levels of IFN- Lamda 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- Lamda. This synthetically over expressed IFN- Lamda can be tested as a targeted treatment option for viral hepatitis after purification