A virus that infects cow-pea plants (which are known as black-eyed peas in the United States), but does not infect animals. Researchers have discovered how to cause CpMV to express certain animal virus proteins (i.e., antigens) on its surface, via genetic engineering. These virus antigens hold potential to replace the antigens currently used in vaccines, which are fraught with problems due to their production in animal cells, bacterial cells, or yeast cells. In addition, CpMV acts as an intrinsic natural adjuvant to the (animal virus) antigens, since it provokes an immune response itself.
plant virus that has been used in vaccine development to deliver antigens from pathogens and tumors. Because the virus does not infect for antigen display in humans and other species.