Viral vector vaccine
Viral Vector Vaccine
A Viral Vector Vaccine (pronunciation: /ˈvaɪrəl ˈvɛktər vaksin/) is a type of vaccine that uses a harmless virus to deliver a piece of the pathogen's genetic material into cells in order to stimulate an immune response.
Etymology
The term "Viral Vector Vaccine" is derived from the words "virus", "vector", and "vaccine". "Virus" comes from the Latin word virus meaning poison or venom. "Vector" is derived from the Latin vector meaning carrier. "Vaccine" comes from the Latin vaccinus meaning of or from the cow, referencing the first vaccine developed from cowpox to immunize against smallpox.
Mechanism of Action
Viral vector vaccines work by using a virus not related to the virus causing the disease as a delivery system (vector). This vector virus is genetically engineered to carry a piece of the pathogen's genetic material into human cells. Once inside the cells, the genetic material instructs the cells to produce a specific protein from the pathogen. This protein triggers an immune response, which includes the production of antibodies. These antibodies will recognize and attack the pathogen if the person is exposed to it in the future.
Types of Viral Vector Vaccines
There are two main types of viral vector vaccines: replicating and non-replicating.
- Replicating viral vector vaccines use a vector virus that can still replicate within cells and produce more virus particles. Examples include the Vesicular stomatitis virus-based vaccine for Ebola.
- Non-replicating viral vector vaccines use a vector virus that has been genetically modified so it cannot replicate within cells. Examples include the Adenovirus-based COVID-19 vaccines developed by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.
Related Terms
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