Getting a vaccination could soon be as simple as eating a potato. Researchers at the
University 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 immune
systems must be exposed to the illness bearing agent, or pathogen. Vaccines word by exposing
th 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. Tackets 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 step 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.