Vaccines
Vaccines
mRNA Vaccines
The mRNA vaccine is a type of next-generation vaccine designed to provide immunity against disease. mRNA stands for messenger RNA (messenger RNA) and is a genetic molecule that carries instructions for protein production in cells. mRNA vaccines use these molecules to train the immune system to provide immunity against disease-causing pathogens such as viruses.
These vaccines contain the mRNA corresponding to the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The cells of the person receiving the vaccine use these instructions to produce a small piece of the spike protein of the virus. This allows the immune system to recognize the spike protein and develop defenses against it when it encounters the virus.
mRNA vaccines have several advantages over conventional vaccines. First, the production of mRNA vaccines is faster and thus a quicker response to diseases. Second, because mRNA vaccines do not contain inactivated virus or virus proteins, they may be safer in some situations. These vaccines have great potential in developing vaccines against future pandemics and other diseases.
ADENOVECTOR VACCINES
The adenovector vaccine is a type of vaccine that uses a type of virus called adenovirus as a vector to induce an immune system response. Adenoviruses are a family of viruses common among humans that usually cause mild respiratory infections. In adenovector vaccines, the genetic material of the adenovirus is altered to induce an immune response against the targeted pathogen (for example, a virus such as SARS-CoV-2).
These vaccines use adenoviruses carrying genetic information that produce a protein of the target pathogen (for example, the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 for the COVID-19 vaccine). When the vaccine is administered, the adenovirus vector enters human cells and provides instructions for cells to produce proteins that will elicit an immune response against the pathogen. This helps the immune system recognize the target pathogen and develop defenses against it when infected.
VIRUS-LIKE PARTICLE
Virus Like Particles (VLP), are a protein-based nanostructure that mimics the structural properties of viruses, yet does not carry the infectious or disease-causing properties of the virus. VLPs contain the protein shell (capsid) of a virus, but not the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of the virus. Therefore, VLPs can enter cells and activate the immune system, but they cannot cause disease.
VLPs serve as effective tools for vaccines and antigen presentation. When used in vaccines, the immune system identifies VLPs as viruses, prompting the development of antibodies and a cellular immune response against them. When encountering the real virus the immune system can mount an effective defensive response against the virus, as it has been previously trained with VLPs.
VLP-based vaccines offer advantages in terms of safety and efficacy. First, because they do not contain the genetic material of the virus, VLPs are not contagious and cannot cause disease. Second, because VLPs mimic the natural structure and shape of the virus, they can generate a stronger and more specific response by the immune system against the real virus. VLP-based vaccines have been used to protect against some diseases, such as hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV), and are being investigated for other diseases as well.