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Virus-like particles (VLPs) have been produced as candidate vaccines in plants virtually since the introduction of biofarming. Even today, VLPs remain the best candidates for safe, immunogenic, efficacious and inexpensive vaccines. Well-characterized human animal viruses such as HBV, HCV, HIV and HPV, rotaviruses, norovirus, foot and mouth disease viruses and even influenza virus proteins have all been successfully investigated for VLP formation. Proteins have been produced in transgenic plants and via transient expression techniques; simple structures, structures depending on more than one protein, naked and enveloped particles have all been made. There have been multiple proofs of concept, more than a few proofs of efficacy, and several products moved into human trials. This review will cover the history of VLP production in plants, and will explore a few examples in detail to illustrate the potential of such a mode of production for human and animal medicine.
Image of HIV-1 Pr55Gag VLPs produced in plants, courtesy of Ann Jaffray, UCT. Bar = 100 nm
OK, yes, blowing my own trumpet...but it will put the recent news of FMDV VLPs in perspective, AND point up the fact that these can be (and probably have been) produced in plants - as well as other even more complicated particles, like human rotavirus and bluetongue virus.