there are many types of vaccines that directly affect the spread of the virus in the body. I
will be discussing the main ones with one example.
genetic vaccines
genetic vaccines use the viruses genes to create copies of the virus (viral proteins) without the genetic information by injecting it into host cells. These ghost viruses can then be used by the body to create antibodies for real viruses when it enters the body.
an example of this would be MODERNA which uses messenger RNA to create viral proteins which in turn could should down the virus. Hopefully, the drug will be ready for use in 2021.
viral vector vaccines
these vaccines use live viruses that carry genetic information that encodes the antigens of the virus that the body wants to become immune to in its shell. This information can then be used by body cells to invoke an immune response that can wipe the virus from the body.
This type of vaccine will elicit a larger immune response than that of a genetic vaccine but there is a risk of the virus carrier invading host cells, further weakening the immune system.
an example of this would be VAXART, an oral tablet that contains coronavirus antigen genes piggybacking on adenoviruses. phase 1 trials will begin in the summer.
protein bases vaccines
protein-based vaccines use a fragment of the viruses antigen directly to the immune system without a carrier. This method comes at a cost as the fragments need to be observed closely as to not cause any negative effects as any wrong pieces can bind to the antibodies rather than the pathogen. This can be costly.
an example of this would be NOVAX. They plan to stick the antigens onto microscopic particles that enter the bloodstream. If the trial in America succeeds, they plan to make 100 million doses in the first quarter of 2021 for America.
Overall, the many different vaccines offer an exciting prospect into the future of viral medication, but prevention is still better than cure.
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