Scientists from Uzbekistan have created a tomato vaccine called TOMAVAC that could potentially be used as a food-based vaccine against COVID-19.
Using genetic material and a tomato plant, the scientists were able to create a new generation vaccine. They inserted a gene fragment encoding the coronavirus S1 protein into special vectors and then inserted it into the genome of tomato cells. This resulted in a tomato plant that produces the S1 protein antigen.
The tomato fruits obtained from these genetically modified plants were found to synthesize a stable amount of the S1 protein antigen. The TOMAVAC vaccine was then selected based on these tomatoes, which produced an amount of 0.77 μg/g of the antigen.
Tests conducted on mice and human volunteers showed promising results. Both groups produced high levels of neutralizing antibodies (IgA) in their serum and intestines after receiving the TOMAVAC vaccine. This indicates that the “vaccine” is effective in triggering an immune response against the coronavirus.
