Getting a vaccination could soon be as simple as eating a potato. Researchers at theUniversity of Maryland, led by Dr. Carol Tacket, and developing edible vaccines that could grant immunity against some diseases.
To be inoculated against a virus, bacterium, or toxin, the antibodies of our immunesystems must be exposed to the illness-bearing agent, or pathogen.Vaccines word by exposing the body to pathogens that have been killed or disarmed. once sensitized, antibodies can mobilize rapidly against familiar enemies by binding to them and preventing their growth and activity.
Most vaccines are delivered in shots or pills but the new one will be incorporated in raw potatoes. The potates have been genetically engineered to produce the key piece of an E. coli toxin that causes acute diarrhea. As the spuds move through the intestinal system and are digested, the toxin fragment is released and exposed to the immune system, which then generates antibodies against the toxin.
Dr. Tacket’s group is waiting for approval from the FDA to test the potato vaccine on humans ; it has already been tested successfully in mice, The next s tep would be to genetically modify bananas to carry vaccines, because raw bananas taste better than raw potatoes.
The potential for edible vaccines is tremendous. Especially in developing countries. Whereas current vaccines are expensive to produce, store, transport, and administer, and edible vaccine could be grown where it needed in the quantity desired, and requires considerable less medical expertise to use.