Getting a vaccination could soon be as simple as eating a potato. Researchers at the University of Maryland, led by Dr. Carol Tacket, are developing edible vaccines that could grant immunity against some diseases.
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 potatoes have been genetically engineered to produce th 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.