IN VIVO EVALUATION OF A PLANT-DERIVED RECOMBINANT VACCINE FOR DENGUE VIRUS

Abstract

Dengue virus infection remains a major public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions, with no universally safe and effective vaccine available. Traditional vaccine platforms face challenges including cost, cold-chain requirements, and the risk of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). Plant-based recombinant vaccines have emerged as a promising alternative due to their safety, scalability, and low production costs. This review explores the development and in vivo evaluation of plant-derived dengue vaccine candidates, focusing on recombinant proteins such as the envelope (E), pre-membrane (prM), and non-structural proteins (NS1). We examine various plant expression systems, immunogenicity data from animal models, and strategies for improving vaccine efficacy and safety. Furthermore, the review highlights the translational potential of plant-based vaccines and outlines future directions for preclinical and clinical development. This approach offers a novel and sustainable pathway toward effective dengue prevention.