Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2000. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PRNewswire - Tuesday November 28, 2000
"Our goal is to develop transgenic plants that have been genetically enhanced to produce different types of proteins for edible vaccines," said Joseph Jilka, Ph.D., grant recipient and vice president-product development of ProdiGene. "If successfully developed, global populations will be able to be vaccinated against the AIDS virus safely and economically by eating gene- enhanced corn products."
ProdiGene is a leader in the research and development of vaccines delivered in plants. In October, ProdiGene announced receipt of a patent (U.S. Patent #6,136,320) for its process that uses plants to develop oral vaccines to immunize humans and animals against viral diseases.
The overall objective of the ProdiGene AIDS vaccine research is the application of edible vaccine technology to AIDS vaccine research. "Recent HIV vaccine research has focused on stimulation of mucosal immunity.
ProdiGene research will utilize plant technology to develop an edible vaccine that protects against HIV infection by stimulating mucosal immunity," Dr. Jilka said. "The mucosal immune system is often the first defense against many transmissible diseases entering the body through oral, respiratory and urogenital routes."
The research will be conducted on the related simian immunodeficiency virus, or SIV. Effort will be concentrated on the generation of transgenic corn expressing a significant glycoprotein that is a major component in most vaccines against both SIV and HIV. The plant material intended to be developed would serve as a model for a stand-alone vaccine, as a booster vaccine, or for use in a combination -- or "cocktail" -- with other vaccines.
"Numerous studies have shown that viral and bacterial toxins can be expressed and correctly processed in transgenic plants to yield immunologically active antigens," Dr. Jilka said. "These recombinant immunogens have benefits over current vaccines including safety, economy, stability, versatility and efficacy. Antigens expressed in corn are particularly advantageous since the seed can be grown in vast quantities and shipped over long distances at ambient temperatures."
National Institutes of Health Innovation Grants for approaches in HIV Vaccine Research fund exploratory projects to bring new concepts into the research and development pipeline. Innovation grants may involve a high degree of risk, innovations and novelty but have some promise for improving vaccine development. The program is also designed to bring new researchers into the field.
ProdiGene, headquartered in College Station, Texas, is a biotechnology company that is developing numerous industrial and pharmaceutical proteins from plants. ProdiGene has rights to over 90 issued and pending patents. The company was the world's first to successfully commercialize recombinant proteins from genetically enhanced plants. ProdiGene has the commercial expertise that provides it with a leadership position in this new field. For more information about ProdiGene, see the company web site at http://www.prodigene.com.
SOURCE ProdiGene Web Site: http://www.prodigene.com
001128
PR001144
Copyright © 2000 - PRNewswire. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through PRNewswire, Permissions, 810 Seventh Ave., 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10019 http://www.prnewswire.com.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2000. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2000. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .