Book Title: Advanced Studies in Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation (ASMRI)
Chief Editors: Dr. Jagdish Kumar Sahu and Dr. Krishna Ashutoshbhai Vyas
Associate Editors: Dr. N. Ramesh Chandra Srikanth and Dr. Lourdu Vesna J
Co-Editors: Dr. Aarti Sharma and Dr. Pushpa Mamoria
ISBN: 978-93-7183-010-2
Chapter: 17
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/745/17
Authors: Priyam Jyoti Das, and Dhiraj Baishya
Abstract
Edible vaccines have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional vaccination strategies by utilizing genetically engineered plants to produce antigenic proteins capable of eliciting protective immune responses following oral administration. This innovative approach combines advances in plant biotechnology, immunology, and molecular farming to address major challenges associated with traditional vaccines, including high production costs, cold-chain requirements, needle-associated complications, and limited accessibility in resource-constrained settings. Edible vaccines offer several advantages, such as ease of administration, improved patient compliance, stimulation of both mucosal and systemic immunity, and potential for large-scale, cost-effective production. Various plant species, including potato, tomato, banana, rice, maize, and lettuce, have been explored as expression platforms for vaccine antigens targeting infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, cholera, rabies, norovirus, and COVID-19. Despite significant progress, challenges related to dosage standardization, antigen stability, regulatory approval, and public acceptance continue to hinder commercial implementation. Recent advances in plant genetic engineering, chloroplast transformation, and transient expression systems have improved antigen yield and enhanced the feasibility of plant-based vaccine production. This chapter discusses the concept, historical development, production strategies, immunological mechanisms, current applications, challenges, and future prospects of edible vaccines. The growing integration of biotechnology and vaccine science highlights the potential of edible vaccines to contribute significantly to global immunization programs and improve healthcare accessibility, particularly in developing nations.
Keywords: Edible vaccines; Plant-based vaccines; Molecular farming; Mucosal immunity; Transgenic plants; Global immunization