What are edible antibodies?

Edible antibodies are antibodies that can be consumed orally and provide protection against pathogens or toxins upon ingestion. They are engineered to retain their functionality and stability in the gastrointestinal tract and are commonly used in passive immunization strategies, particularly for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Edible antibodies are typically produced in plants, such as soybeans or rice, through genetic engineering techniques. The plants express the genes encoding the antibodies, and the antibodies are accumulated in the plant tissues. These plant-based antibodies can then be extracted, purified, and formulated into edible products like tablets, capsules, or powders. The major advantage of edible antibodies lies in their ease of administration and potential for low-cost mass production, making them suitable for large-scale immunization programs and resource-limited settings.