PLANT vs. PATHOGEN: Enlisting Tobacco in the Fight Against Anthrax
2006
Using Tobacco to Create a Safer Anthrax Vaccine
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Graeme Stemp-Morlock
Primary Institution: University of Central Florida
Hypothesis
Can tobacco plants be used to produce a safer anthrax vaccine?
Conclusion
Tobacco plants can produce large quantities of a cleaner anthrax protective antigen, which may lead to a more effective vaccine.
Supporting Evidence
- Tobacco plants can produce about 150 milligrams of anthrax protective antigen per plant.
- One acre of tobacco plants can yield enough protective antigen for 360 million doses.
- Mice immunized with the tobacco-derived protective antigen survived a lethal anthrax toxin challenge.
Takeaway
Scientists are trying to use tobacco plants to make a new anthrax vaccine that is safer and can be produced in large amounts.
Methodology
The gene for protective antigen was isolated from Bacillus anthracis and inserted into tobacco plants, which were then harvested to produce the antigen.
Limitations
Plant-based vaccines are still in early research stages and require regulatory approval.
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