Transgenic Plant Vaccines: Harnessing Nature for Immunization

Maria Christine^*
*Correspondence: Maria Christine, Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, Email:

Keywords

Transgenic plant vaccines • Genetic modification • Antigen selection • Edible vaccines

Introduction

The conventional approach to vaccine production involves using cell cultures or animals, which can be expensive, time-consuming, and challenging to scale up. Transgenic plant vaccines offer an innovative alternative, leveraging plants' inherent ability to produce complex proteins through genetic modification. By introducing genes encoding specific antigens, plants can be transformed into factories that produce vaccines. This approach has garnered significant interest due to its potential for scalability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of production. Transgenic plant vaccines rely on genetic engineering techniques such as Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and gene gun delivery systems. These methods enable the introduction of target genes into plant cells, leading to the stable integration of the desired genetic material. The choice of vaccine antigens is crucial in transgenic plant vaccine development. Scientists select antigens that are highly immunogenic, well-characterized, and specific to the target pathogen. This ensures the effectiveness of the vaccine in inducing a protective immune response [1].

Transgenic plants have been engineered to produce edible vaccines, which offer the advantage of oral administration. Examples include plants that express antigens against diseases such as hepatitis B, cholera, and norovirus. These edible vaccines have shown promising results in preclinical and clinical trials. Plant viral vectors, such as Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) and Potato Virus X (PVX), have been utilized to express vaccine antigens in plants. These vectors efficiently infect plant cells and induce high levels of antigen expression. Several plant viral vector-based vaccines have been developed for diseases like influenza, rabies, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Virus-like Particles (VLPs) mimic the structure of viruses without the genetic material, making them safe and highly immunogenic. Plants have been engineered to produce VLPs against diseases like Human Papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B, and influenza. VLPbased vaccines offer excellent safety profiles and can induce robust immune responses. Plants offer the potential for large-scale and cost-effective vaccine production [2].

Literature Review

Transgenic plant vaccines can be administered through multiple routes, including oral ingestion, nasal sprays, and topical applications. This versatility simplifies vaccine delivery, especially in resource-limited settings where access to healthcare infrastructure may be limited. Plants can be freeze-dried or transformed into powders, allowing for enhanced stability and extended shelf life. This characteristic is particularly advantageous in regions lacking adequate coldchain storage facilities, where maintaining the potency of traditional vaccines can be challenging. The regulatory landscape surrounding transgenic plant vaccines varies across countries, posing challenges for their widespread adoption. Harmonized regulations and clear guidelines are necessary to facilitate their development, production, and distribution [3].

Transgenic plant vaccines must undergo rigorous safety assessments to ensure they do not induce allergic reactions or contain harmful contaminants. Extensive testing and risk assessments are necessary to address these concerns and gain regulatory approval. Public perception of transgenic plant vaccines can influence their acceptance and adoption. Public education and transparent communication are vital to build trust and alleviate concerns regarding the safety and long-term effects of these vaccines. Transgenic plant vaccines hold immense promise for revolutionizing immunization strategies. Ongoing research aims to enhance the expression levels of antigens, develop multi-component vaccines, and improve the efficiency of vaccine delivery systems. With continued advancements and regulatory support, transgenic plant vaccines have the potential to play a pivotal role in global disease prevention and control, ensuring widespread accessibility and affordability of life-saving vaccines [4].

Discussion

Transgenic plant vaccines have the potential to address the challenges of vaccine accessibility in developing countries. Traditional vaccine production methods often rely on complex manufacturing processes and require a robust cold chain for storage and distribution. Transgenic plant vaccines offer a more practical solution, as plants can be grown locally and can withstand a wider range of environmental conditions. This can lead to increased availability and affordability of vaccines in resource-limited settings. Transgenic plant vaccines also offer the advantage of rapid response during disease outbreaks. Traditional vaccine production methods may take months or even years to develop and distribute vaccines against newly emerging pathogens. In contrast, transgenic plant vaccines can be rapidly engineered and scaled up for production, allowing for a more agile response to infectious disease outbreaks [5].

As with any technology, transgenic plant vaccines raise ethical considerations. These include concerns about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), potential ecological impacts, and the patenting and ownership of genetically modified plants. Ethical frameworks should be established to ensure responsible and transparent use of this technology, considering the potential benefits and risks to human health, the environment, and social equity. Public perception plays a crucial role in the acceptance and adoption of transgenic plant vaccines. Open and transparent communication is essential to address concerns and educate the public about the safety, benefits, and rigorous regulatory processes involved in developing these vaccines. Engaging with stakeholders, including scientists, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the general public, can foster understanding and facilitate informed decision-making [6].

Conclusion

Transgenic plant vaccines represent a transformative approach to immunization, leveraging the inherent capabilities of plants to produce vaccines in a scalable, cost-effective, and accessible manner. While challenges exist, such as regulatory hurdles, safety concerns, and public perception, the potential benefits of transgenic plant vaccines are vast. As research continues and regulatory frameworks evolve, transgenic plant vaccines have the potential to contribute significantly to global health by expanding vaccine accessibility, improving rapid response capabilities, and addressing the challenges of traditional vaccine production methods. By harnessing nature's potential, transgenic plant vaccines offer a promising solution to prevent and control infectious diseases, saving lives and improving public health worldwide.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

References

1. Abdul-Careem, Mohamed Faizal, Bruce D. Hunter, Payvand Parvizi and Hamid R. Haghighi, et al. "Cytokine gene expression patterns associated with immunization against Marek's disease in chickens." Vaccine 25 (2007): 424-432.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

2. Alexander, Dennis J., Elizabeth W. Aldous and Chad M. Fuller. "The long view: A selective review of 40 years of Newcastle disease research." Avian Pathol 41 (2012): 329-335.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

3. Choi, Kang Duk, Hyun Soon Lillehoj, Ki Duk Song and Jae Yong Han. "Molecular and functional characterization of chickenIL-15." Dev Comp Immunol 23 (1999): 165-177.

Google Scholar, Crossref

4. Crosse, Keaton M., Ebony A. Monson, Michael R. Beard and Karla J. Helbig. "Interferon-stimulated genes as enhancers of antiviral innate immune signaling." J Innate Immun 10 (2018): 85-93.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

5. da Silva, Ana P., Emily J. Aston, Gaspar H. Chiwanga and Ashley Birakos, et al. "Molecular characterization of Newcastle disease viruses isolated from chickens in Tanzania and Ghana." Viruses 12 (2020): 916.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

6. Adhikari, P., A. Kiess, R. Adhikari and R. Jha. "An approach to alternative strategies to control avian coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis." J Appl Poult Res 29 (2020): 515-534.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at