Journal of Vaccines & Vaccination

Abstract

Bio-Engineered Plant-Produced Antigens, Self-Administered for Oral Vaccination: A Cottage Industry for Vaccines for Less Affluent Nations?

Shoumen Palit, Austin Datta*

In this unconventional and non-systematic review, we re-present published results indicating that transgenic plants engineered to express (foreign) antigens show significant levels of mRNA (from viral coding region) and viral antigen (protein) in plant tissues (leaves). Oral administration of plant-produced antigens was immuno-stimulatory in humans, capable of conferring immunity from the viral infection (specific for the viral antigen bioengineered for expression in plant). Use of antigen-containing plant products for oral (or sublingual) administration does not require purification. The plant “paste” may be sufficient (?) for immunizing humans (and animals). Scientific evidence supports advocacy for oral administration of “raw” plant-based products (sublingual) without purification. Implementing this proposal may accelerate the pace of global vaccination and preventive healthcare for less affluent communities by (0) eliminating the need for purification, eliminating the need for “cold” supply chain logistics, eliminating the dependency on medical professionals for vaccination and eliminating supply chain fulfillment dependencies by growing the antigen-producing “potted plants” in community gardens or at home, as a vaccine cottage industry. Communities may also brew the cottage industry for transgenic plants producing antigens as an entrepreneurial innovation endeavor and/or social business for vaccines. The latter, if built on pillars of ethical profitability, is expected to prioritize science as a service to society to improve access to global public goods with respect to health and healthcare.

Published Date: 2026-01-19; Received Date: 2024-11-23