Plant-based vaccines: unique advantages

Numerous studies have shown that viral epitopes and subunits of bacterial t oxins can be expressed and correctly processed in transgenic plants. The re combinant proteins induce immune responses and have several benefits over c urrent vaccine technologies, including increased safety, economy, stability , versatility and efficacy. Antigens expressed in corn are particularly adv antageous since the seed can be produced in vast quantities and shipped ove r long distances at ambient temperature, potentially allowing global vaccin ation. We have expressed the B-subunit of Escherichia coli heat-labile ente rotoxin and the spike protein of swine transmissible gastroenteritis virus at high levels in corn, and demonstrate that these antigens delivered in th e seed elicit protective immune responses. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. A ll rights reserved.