How do vaccines work? - Kelwalin Dhanasarnsombut

Summary

This script narrates the history and function of vaccines, starting from Edward Jenner's pioneering work in 1796. It explains the immune system's response to pathogens and how vaccines leverage this by triggering adaptive immunity without causing disease. The script covers various vaccine types, including live attenuated, inactivated, subunit, and the innovative DNA vaccines, which use genetic material to instruct cells to produce antigens and prepare the body for future threats, potentially leading to treatments for currently untreatable diseases.

Takeaways

• 💉 The first vaccine was developed by Edward Jenner in 1796, using cowpox virus material to inoculate against smallpox.
• 🛡️ The immune system's two lines of defense are the innate response and the adaptive immunity involving B cells and T cells.
• 🤒 Symptoms like coughing, sneezing, inflammation, and fever are part of the body's innate immune response to trap and remove foreign microbes.
• 🧬 Vaccines work by preparing the body's immune system to recognize and fight off pathogens without causing the full disease.
• 🔬 There are different types of vaccines: live attenuated, inactivated, subunit, and the emerging DNA vaccines.
• 🌱 Live attenuated vaccines use a weakened form of the pathogen to stimulate an immune response.
• 💀 Inactivated vaccines contain pathogens that have been killed, still capable of triggering an immune response without causing disease.
• 🧬 Subunit vaccines are made from specific antigens, parts of the pathogen that trigger the immune system, for more targeted responses.
• 🧬 DNA vaccines involve injecting genes that instruct the body's cells to produce antigens, leading to a strong immune response.
• 🚫 Live attenuated vaccines may not be suitable for individuals with compromised immune systems.
• 🔄 Inactivated vaccines might not provide long-lasting immunity compared to other types.
• 🔬 The development of new vaccines, like DNA vaccines, could pave the way for more effective treatments against currently untreatable diseases.

Q & A

Who is credited with the first-ever vaccine development?

Edward Jenner is credited with the first-ever vaccine development in 1796.

What was the initial purpose of Edward Jenner's cowpox virus injection into the eight-year-old boy?

The initial purpose was to provide protection against the deadly smallpox virus by using the related but less harmful cowpox virus.

How does the immune system respond to foreign microbes?

The immune system triggers a series of responses to identify and remove the microbes, which can manifest as coughing, sneezing, inflammation, and fever.

What are the two lines of defense in the immune system as described in the script?

The two lines of defense are the innate immune responses and the adaptive immunity, which involves B cells and T cells.

What is the role of B cells and T cells in the adaptive immune response?

B cells and T cells are recruited to fight microbes and record information about them, creating a memory of the invaders to facilitate a quicker and more effective response if the same pathogen invades again.

Why is there a risk involved in the body's natural immune response to pathogens?

The risk lies in the time it takes for the body to learn how to respond and build up defenses. A weak or young body may face serious risks if invaded by a severe pathogen.

What is the fundamental principle behind the use of vaccines?

Vaccines work on the same principles as the body's defense mechanisms, triggering the adaptive immune system without exposing the person to the full strength of the disease.

What are the two main types of traditional vaccines mentioned in the script?

The two main types are live attenuated vaccines, which contain a weakened form of the pathogen, and inactive vaccines, which contain killed pathogens.

What is the limitation of live attenuated vaccines?

Live attenuated vaccines can be difficult to make, and due to their live nature, they are not suitable for people with weaker immune systems.

What are subunit vaccines and how do they differ from live attenuated or inactive vaccines?

Subunit vaccines are made from only one part of the pathogen, the antigen, which triggers the immune response. They differ by isolating specific components of antigens, such as proteins or polysaccharides, to prompt specific immune responses.

What is the concept behind DNA vaccines and how do they work?

DNA vaccines involve isolating the genes that produce specific antigens. When injected, these genes instruct the body's cells to make the antigens, causing a strong immune response and preparing the body for future threats without containing harmful pathogen ingredients.

What potential does the development of new vaccines have for treating currently challenging diseases?

The development of new vaccines may lead to more effective treatments for invasive pathogens and could potentially enable us to treat diseases like HIV, malaria, or Ebola in the future.