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  • 195928043411214979140222488948970154446PublicAssets/6972The SARS-CoV-2 virus (the virus that causes COVID-19) has a spike protein that it uses like a tool to break into and infect cells. On its own, the spike protein is harmless and can be used as a tool to train your immune system to defend against the virus. <Br><Br> Step 1: Scientists make copies of mRNA with instructions that tell the human body how to make only the outer spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. <Br><Br> Step 2: mRNA is packaged inside tiny globules called lipid nanoparticles. Lipids (fatty acids) are used as the vehicle because they: Protect the mRNA from breaking down Help it pass through cell membranes and into the body's cells <Br><Br> Step 3: The vaccine's mRNA instructions pass into muscle cells (near where a vaccine injection is given), and those muscle cells make copies of the spike protein. <Br><Br> Step 4: Though the spikes are harmless, the body’s immune system recognizes them as antigens (foreign substances) and produces targeted antibodies to defend against them. <Br><Br> Step 5: The body eliminates the vaccine material. Special white blood cells called memory cells "remember" the spike protein and which antibodies to make if they happen upon the spike again. <Br><Br> Step 6: If SARS-CoV-2 (and its telltale spike proteins) enter a vaccinated person's body, the immune system reacts with antibodies that defend against infection more swiftly than it otherwise could if it had never seen the spike protein. <Br><Br> Featured in <a href="https://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/pathways/Pages/Home.aspx#vaccines">“<em>Pathways:</em> Vaccine Science.”</a> National Institute of General Medical Sciences.National Institute of General Medical Sciences.Illustration

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    Chemistry, Biochemistry, and PharmacologyInjury and Illness

    Journey of an mRNA Vaccine

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    The SARS-CoV-2 virus (the virus that causes COVID-19) has a spike protein that it uses like a tool to break into and infect cells. On its own, the spike protein is harmless and can be used as a tool to train your immune system to defend against the virus.

    Step 1: Scientists make copies of mRNA with instructions that tell the human body how to make only the outer spike protein of SARS-CoV-2.

    Step 2: mRNA is packaged inside tiny globules called lipid nanoparticles. Lipids (fatty acids) are used as the vehicle because they: Protect the mRNA from breaking down Help it pass through cell membranes and into the body's cells

    Step 3: The vaccine's mRNA instructions pass into muscle cells (near where a vaccine injection is given), and those muscle cells make copies of the spike protein.

    Step 4: Though the spikes are harmless, the body’s immune system recognizes them as antigens (foreign substances) and produces targeted antibodies to defend against them.

    Step 5: The body eliminates the vaccine material. Special white blood cells called memory cells "remember" the spike protein and which antibodies to make if they happen upon the spike again.

    Step 6: If SARS-CoV-2 (and its telltale spike proteins) enter a vaccinated person's body, the immune system reacts with antibodies that defend against infection more swiftly than it otherwise could if it had never seen the spike protein.

    Featured in “Pathways: Vaccine Science.”

    Source

    National Institute of General Medical Sciences.

    Credit Line

    National Institute of General Medical Sciences.

    Record Type

    Illustration

    ID

    6972

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