Vol. 9, Special Issue 3, Part F (2025)

Edible vaccines represent an innovative and promising alternative to traditional vaccines, utilizing genetically modified plants to express antigenic proteins that stimulate an immune response upon consumption. By eliminating the need for cold-chain storage and needle-based administration, these vaccines offer significant advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness, ease of delivery and enhanced accessibility, particularly in resource-limited settings. The concept of edible vaccines leverages plant biotechnology to integrate antigenic proteins from pathogenic organisms into commonly consumed crops such as potatoes, tomatoes, bananas and rice. Upon ingestion, these antigens trigger mucosal and systemic immune responses, leading to the development of protective immunity. Various human and veterinary diseases, including hepatitis B, cholera, rabies and foot-and-mouth disease, are being targeted through this technology. This review explores the principles of edible vaccines, their production techniques, immunological mechanisms, applications in human and veterinary medicine, current challenges and future research directions. As scientific advancements continue to refine this technology, edible vaccines hold the potential to revolutionize global immunization strategies and contribute to the prevention of infectious diseases in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.