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Plant-derived antigens as mucosal vaccines
H S Mason1, M M Herbst-Kralovetz
1Center for Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA. hugh.mason@asu.edu
Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology
|August 4, 2011
Summary
Plant-based vaccines offer mucosal delivery advantages for humans and animals. Purified antigens with adjuvants show promise, overcoming challenges of oral delivery for effective immunization.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Vaccinology
- Plant molecular biology
Background:
- Recombinant subunit vaccines produced in plants have advanced significantly over the past two decades.
- Plants offer unique advantages for developing vaccines, particularly for mucosal delivery in humans and animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review methods for recombinant protein expression in plants for vaccine development.
- To describe progress in human and animal vaccines utilizing mucosal delivery routes.
- To discuss challenges and potential solutions for plant-based vaccine efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Expression of recombinant antigens in stably and transiently transformed plants.
- Development of viral vectors, including virus-like particles, for antigen expression.
- Utilizing pattern recognition receptor agonists as adjuvants to enhance immune responses.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated antibody production in humans and animals following mucosal administration of plant-derived antigens.
- Achieved protection against pathogen challenge in some animal studies.
- Identified low antigen content and gut instability as key hurdles for oral delivery.
Conclusions:
- Intranasal delivery of purified plant-derived antigens, especially with adjuvants, is a promising strategy for effective immunization.
- Plant-based vaccine technology continues to evolve, with ongoing research addressing efficacy and regulatory considerations.
- Further development is needed to optimize antigen stability and delivery for widespread application.
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