Can plants be used for producing antigens?

Abstract. Plants as bioreactors have been widely used to express efficient vaccine antigens against viral, bacterial and protozoan infections. To date, many different plant-based expression systems have been analyzed, with a growing preference for transient expression systems.

Which plants have been developed for expressing antigens derived from animal viruses?

The expression of vaccine antigens in plants such as apple, banana, tomato and guava (fruits), peanut, corn, soybean and chickpea (seeds), cabbage, lettuce, potato and spinach (vegetables) has been reported (Reviewed by Stoger et al., 2005, Kumar et al., 2007, Floss et al., 2007).

What types of antigens are used in vaccines?

Inactivated (killed antigen) Subunit (purified antigen)

What is edible vaccines in plant tissue culture?

The phrase edible vaccines was first used by Charles Arntzen in 1990 and refers to any foods; typically plants, that produce vitamins, proteins or other nourishment that act as a vaccine against a certain disease. Once the plant, fruit, or plant derived product is ingested orally, it stimulates the immune system.

Do plants have antibodies?

Although plants do not naturally make antibodies, the plant-derived antibodies (plantibodies) have been shown to function in the same way as mammalian antibodies.

Is tobacco a transgenic plant?

Tobacco is widely used as a model plant system in transgenic research for several reasons: its molecular genetics is well understood, its genomic mapping is almost complete, genetic transformation can be readily achieved, tobacco plants survive well in vitro and under greenhouse conditions, and tobacco produces large …

What are the disadvantages of edible vaccines?

The disadvantage of using potato-based edible vaccine is that it has to be consumed raw; when cooked the protein may get denatured or in some cases less effective. Research has shown that by partial boiling at least half the vaccine remained alive. 1. They are cheap; therefore they can be mass-produced.

What are the five immunodominant antigens of influenza?

Classically, 5 antigenic sites were identified in the head domain of the laboratory-adapted H1N1 strain, A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (PR8) (8). These antigenic sites, defined as Sa, Sb, Ca1, Ca2, and Cb (Figure 1A), were characterized using virus escape mutants and a panel of monoclonal antibodies (9).

Where are the antigens found?

red blood cells
Antibodies and antigens Antibodies are proteins found in plasma. They’re part of your body’s natural defences. They recognise foreign substances, such as germs, and alert your immune system, which destroys them. Antigens are protein molecules found on the surface of red blood cells.

What plant has been used for edible vaccines?

Alfalfa. Alfalfa is the plant used to develop edible vaccines mainly for veterinary purposes. Transgenic alfalfa containing hog pest virus glycoprotein E2 was developed in 2005.

What plants produce antibodies?

Therefore, plants have potential as a virtually unlimited source of mAbs, referred to by some as “plantibodies.” Tobacco plants have been used extensively for antibody expression systems [17]. However, several other plants have been used, including potatoes, soybeans, alfalfa, rice, and corn.

How can I boost my plant immune system?

This can be done above ground by activating the plant immune system, by using plant strengthening leaf fertilizers and by increasing plant vitality. Strengthening plant resistance underground can be achieved by using plant strengthening fertilizers, stimulating soil life and by using absorption and soil improvers.