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    Sunday, May 12, 2002

    Vaccinated Vegetables: I'm confused by this story of scientists who have genetically altered carrots to make the Hepatitis B vaccine. They seem to be claiming that eating the carrots would provide protection against Hepatitis B. It seems to me that eating them would destroy the antigen they produce. Even if the digestive juices left the antigen intact I don't think eating it would provide immunity. The vaccine is an injectable one, not an oral one. Would they inject people with carrot juice extract?
    UPDATE: I just read a review article on vaccination that explains this story. The part of the hepatitis B virus that induces immunity is produced by the genetically altered carrot. Eating the carrot does seem induce antibodies to that part of the hepatitis B virus. The antibodies are present not only in the gut lining, but in the blood as well. At least, it works for mice who eat such altered potatoes. Don't know if it works with carrots and people, or if it actually protects against disease.
     

    posted by Sydney on 5/12/2002 11:48:00 AM 0 comments

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