COVID-19 and mRNA Vaccines Vocabulary

Flashcards covering the vocabulary from the lecture notes on COVID-19 and mRNA vaccines.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

Temporary, working copies of genes used during cell growth and metabolism; carry information from the genome to the cytoplasm for protein synthesis.

Translation

The synthesis of proteins using genetic information carried by mRNA, carried out in the cell cytoplasm by ribosomes.

Non-coding RNA

RNA molecules that do not code for proteins but perform various regulatory and structural roles in the cell.

RNA-destroying enzymes

Enzymes that degrade RNA, abundant in the extracellular environment.

5′ cap and 3′ poly(A) tail

Critical protective features of mRNAs that protect against natural decay mechanisms in eukaryotes.

In vitro transcription

A process to produce mRNA using a DNA template, RNA polymerase, nucleoside triphosphates, RNase inhibitor, pyrophosphatase, and buffer.

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs)

Spherical vesicles made of ionizable lipids used for nucleic acid delivery; lipids are positively charged at low pH.

Endocytosis

Process by which cells take up lipid nanoparticles through endosomes.

Pseudouridine-modified mRNA

Altering part of the mRNA code helps synthetic mRNA to slip past the cell’s innate immune defenses.

Open reading frame (ORF)

Part of mRNA in eukaryotic cells that encodes the relevant protein.

Activation of immune responses

Eliciting cellular and humoral immunity

regimen

A dose schedule.

SARS-CoV-2 variants

Variants of interest, concern or of high consequence with mutations that may affect virus transmissibility, disease severity, neutralization by antibodies, effectiveness of treatments or vaccines and diagnostic detection failures

Spike protein

The major protein found on the surface of the coronavirus that binds to the ACE2 receptor in humans and mediates entry into the cells.

Vaccination hesitancy

Delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite availability of vaccine services.

Myocarditis

An inflammatory disease of the heart muscle, which may be caused by infectious and non-infectious conditions