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7004430 
Journal Article 
Virus-like particles produced in plants as potential vaccines 
Scotti, N; Rybicki, EP; , 
2013 
Yes 
Expert Review of Vaccines
ISSN: 1476-0584 
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD 
ABINGDON 
211-224 
23414411 
WOS:000315167300017 
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.