Effectiveness of Edible Vaccines in Immunization Strategies

DOI: https://doi.org/10.63345/ijrmp.v12.i5.1

Nikhil Verma

Independent Researcher

Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

The rapid evolution of biotechnology has spurred innovative methods for vaccine production, and edible vaccines have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional injectable vaccines. By integrating vaccine antigens into genetically modified edible plants, this strategy aims to induce both systemic and mucosal immunity with minimal side effects, simplified storage, and easier administration. This manuscript reviews the potential of edible vaccines as an immunization strategy, evaluates the current state of research up to 2021, and presents a detailed methodology for assessing their effectiveness in preclinical models. The discussion explores the biological mechanisms, production methodologies, and immunological outcomes associated with plant-derived vaccines. In addition, the manuscript highlights challenges such as antigen stability, dosage control, and public acceptance, while underscoring the importance of further research in optimizing antigen expression and delivery methods. The results synthesized from various studies indicate that edible vaccines can stimulate robust immune responses in animal models, with several trials demonstrating promising safety profiles and practical advantages in resource-limited settings. Conclusively, edible vaccines have the potential to transform global immunization practices, particularly in developing countries where cold chain maintenance and medical infrastructure are limited. This work lays a foundation for future investigations and underscores the need for clinical trials to translate these preclinical successes into human applications.

Keywords

Edible vaccines; immunization strategies; plant-based vaccines; mucosal immunity; genetic engineering; public health.

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