Vaccines represent a useful contribution to the field of biotechnology as they supply protection against various diseases. But, the major obstacle to oral vaccination is the digestion of macromolecule antigenic protein within the stomach due to extremely acidic pH. To address this issue, scientist Arntzen introduced the concept of edible vaccines. Edible vaccines are prepared by using the science of genetic engineering in which the selected genes are introduced into the plants by means of various methods. The transgenic plant is then induced to manufacture the encoded protein which acts as a vaccine. Owing to its low cost, it will be affordable for developing countries like India. Edible vaccines are used to treat various diseases like malaria, measles, hepatitis B, stopping autoimmunity in type-1 diabetes, cholera, enterotoxicogenic E.coli (ETEC), HIV and anthrax. This review comprises mechanism of action, methods of development, candidate plants, applications, clinical trials and patents of edible vaccines.Keywords: Edible vaccines, Antigens, Oral immunization, Immunity.
A review on natural way of vaccination: Plant derived edible vaccines
