Plant-Based Strategies for Vaccine Development: A Narrative Review of Recombinant Biofactories, Phytochemical Adjuvants, Innovative Delivery Systems, and Insights on Oral and Edible Vaccines

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Vaccination is a critical public health intervention, yet its global implementation is hindered by high production costs and cold-chain requirements. This review aims to evaluate plant-based systems as sustainable, cost-efficient alternatives for vaccine production. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science). The peer-reviewed references were critically assessed, focusing on molecular expression strategies, phytochemical immunomodulators, and plant-mediated oral delivery. Results: Plant and microalgae systems effectively support nuclear, chloroplast, and transient expression of diverse antigens. Furthermore, specific plant-derived compounds were found to act as potent adjuvants and immunostimulants, enhancing the immunogenicity of vaccine formulations. Edible plant tissues also provide a viable platform for oral delivery, reducing the need for extensive purification and refrigerated logistics. Conclusions: Integrating recombinant expression technologies with bioactive plant metabolites offers a flexible and scalable foundation for next-generation vaccines. These biological platforms show promise for addressing some immunization challenges, particularly in low-resource settings.