Potential HIV Vaccine from Tomatoes
By Michelle Fabio
Researchers at the Center for Research and Advanced Studies in Irapuato, Mexico have reported that they have successfully produced transgenic tomato plants that produce an HIV protein called Tat, which is normally produced soon after infection with the HIV virus; the Tat protein allows the virus to replicate in host cells as well as infect new cells.
As the presence of anti-Tat antibodies have shown to stop the progression of AIDS, scientists are seeking to develop a vaccine based on the protein.
Dr. Miguel Angel Gomez Lim and his team in Mexico chose tomatoes over tobacco plants because of the toxic alkaloids found in tobacco.
The transgenic tomatoes, while successfully producing the Tat protein, flowered, ripened, and possessed leaves similar to those of their natural counterparts; they did not, however, produce seeds that would enable to pass on genetic information to other plants.
After testing in mice, it was shown that the Tat protein produced by the transgenic tomatoes showed a strong immune response, signifying a good vaccine.
Research, of course, continues.
Sources: HIV vaccine from tomatoes, a long awaited gift for millions
HIV-1 TAT Vaccines
February 1st, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Wow! That’s a pretty nifty thing to do with that clever GE technology! I think I like this better than I like spider or human genes in my slicers…
February 1st, 2008 at 5:30 pm
This is an interesting article - imagine the common tomato having the possibility of being a potential vaccine. Amazing stuff!
February 5th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Aileen and Kate, I’m so glad you enjoyed this post; I thought it was pretty amazing too!
October 22nd, 2008 at 3:36 am
It would be great to see some follow up articles on this. Maybe we’ll do some searching on the web…
October 22nd, 2008 at 3:43 am
I haven’t seen any follow-ups lately, but I’ll definitely report them here if/when I come across them!
July 29th, 2009 at 2:27 am
i wonder when are we going to have the cure for HIV/AIDS ? we are living on an age with very high technology but still we have not found a cure for this disease.
September 15th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
HIV AIDS is really a very scary disease. until now, there is no know cure or vaccine for it. the only we can prevent it is through safe sex.
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:37 am
HIV/AIDS is still a problem today despite huge medical advances, i am wondering if there would ever be a cure for this disease .