Progress of edible vaccine development

Abstract

Edible vaccines are edible plants genetically engineered to contain a gene that specifies an antigen or a marker sequence sequence of defective gene or protein. The mucous lining comprises one of the first lines of defense during pathogen attack and a vaccine usually triggers the mucosal immune system of the mucous lining. The dissertation will highlight the development framework of the edible vaccine, the timeframe of development along their proposed uses. The encapsulation of the antigen in the plant vehicles‘ tissues protects the antigen from the acidic nature of the stomach. The immunogen, being in partially intact form, would be able to stimulate an immune response. Edible vaccines could be further used to induce tolerance to allergens. For such cases, the immunogen is in soluble form. Studies have revealed that these vaccines can stimulate the production of secretory IgA along with other antibodies. Currently, six edible vaccines are undergoing clinical trials; however, certain issues need to be solved before their approval. Veterinary edible vaccines have been already approved. Bangladesh has also attempted to design an edible vaccine for pneumonia. It can be inferred that shortly, edible vaccines would be a valuable tool for preventing health conditions.