What are mRNA vaccines?
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What are mRNA Vaccines?
mRNA vaccines utilize messenger RNA (mRNA) to instruct cells in the body to produce a protein that triggers an immune response. Here's a step-by-step overview of how they work:
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Introduction of mRNA: When you receive an mRNA vaccine, it contains fragments of mRNA that code for the spike protein found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This mRNA is packaged within lipid nanoparticles to protect it from degradation and ensure it enters cells 1 2.
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Synthesis of Viral Proteins: Once the mRNA is inside the cells, it uses the cellular machinery (ribosomes) to produce the spike protein. This protein is then displayed on the cell surface 3 4.
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Immune Response: The immune system recognizes the spike protein as foreign and mounts an immune response by producing antibodies. This trains the immune system to recognize and fight the real virus if the body is exposed in the future 1 5.
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Advantages: One of the significant benefits of mRNA vaccines is their speed of production. Traditional vaccines often require growing the actual virus in large quantities, which is time-consuming and complex. mRNA vaccines bypass this step by leveraging the body's cellular machinery to produce the necessary viral protein 1.
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Historical Context: Although mRNA technology may seem new to the public, research has been ongoing for decades. The rapid development and deployment of these vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic were due to this pre-existing research foundation and the adaptability of mRNA technology 3 6.
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Future Potential: The success of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 also opens possibilities for developing vaccines and treatments for other diseases, making it a significant breakthrough in synthetic biology 2.
In summary, mRNA vaccines represent a transformative approach to immunization, leveraging our cellular machinery to produce protective proteins and triggering an immune response effectively and rapidly.
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