Apparently not yet.
But scientists say that a vast assortment of viral and bacterial diseases can be prevented by feeding algae orally as a vaccine.
The researchers fused a protein that provokes an antibody response in mice against the organism that causes malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, with a protein produced by the bacteria responsible for cholera, Vibrio cholera, that binds to intestinal epithelial cells. They then genetically engineered algae to produce this two-protein combination, freeze dried the algae and later fed the resulting green powder to mice.
The mice developed Immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies to both the malarial parasite protein and to a toxin produced by the cholera bacteria. IgA antibodies are produced in the gut and mucosal linings. Very interesting and ground breaking work is at hand here!
That is a very interesting idea. That would be a very creative way to use algae
ReplyDeleteThis could definitely be a groundbreaking finding due to the ease of creating the vaccine, as well as the cost most likely not being that high. It is true that this has only been tested in a few mice so far, but if this can become a reality, it would hopefully protect a lot of people from this disease.
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