Edible Vaccines: A Paradigm Shift in Vaccine Delivery and Global Health Solutions

Edible vaccines represent a revolutionary approach to immunization, leveraging genetically modified plants to produce antigens that elicit immune responses when consumed. This novel strategy addresses several limitations of traditional vaccines, particularly in resource-limited settings, by eliminating the need for cold-chain logistics and skilled healthcare personnel for administration. Edible vaccines can enhance patient compliance, especially among children, by providing a noninvasive method of immunization. Recent advancements have demonstrated the potential of edible vaccines to prevent various infectious diseases. However, challenges remain, including the risk of immune tolerance, variability in antigen dosage, and regulatory hurdles. This review highlights the mechanisms of antigen expression in edible vaccine platforms, engineering strategies to enhance stability and efficacy, and recent clinical trials that underscore their potential impact on global health initiatives.