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Transgenic plants as vaccine production systems
1Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Ithaca, NY 14853-1801, USA.
Trends in Biotechnology
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Transgenic plants can produce vaccines. Edible vaccines from genetically modified potatoes expressing bacterial antigens successfully triggered immune responses, proving plants as a viable vaccine production system.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Transgenic plants offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional fermentation for producing valuable foreign proteins.
- Plant-based production systems are being explored for pharmaceutical applications, including vaccines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of transgenic plants for vaccine production.
- To determine if expressed antigens in plants retain immunogenic properties and can elicit immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Genes encoding bacterial antigens were expressed in transgenic plants (potato tubers).
- The immunogenicity of the expressed antigens was assessed by feeding the transgenic tubers to subjects.
- Humoral and mucosal immune responses were measured.
Main Results:
- Transgenic potato tubers successfully expressed a bacterial antigen.
- The expressed antigen retained its native immunogenic properties.
- Feeding of transgenic tubers stimulated both humoral and mucosal immune responses.
Conclusions:
- Plants can be effectively utilized as a bio-factory for vaccine production.
- Edible vaccines produced in plants represent a promising 'proof of concept' for a novel vaccination strategy.