Vaccines-BIOL 2320

What is the principle behind vaccines?

Vaccines are based on the principle of secondary response in immunity.

What do vaccines introduce to the immune system?

Vaccines introduce either an aspect of a pathogen or a whole pathogen.

What is created during the primary response to a vaccine?

The adaptive immune system creates antibodies and memory cells.

How long do memory cells last?

Memory cells can last decades.

What happens during the secondary response to a pathogen?

The immune system reacts much faster and more intensely than during the primary response.

What is herd immunity?

Herd immunity occurs when enough people in a population are immune to a disease to prevent its spread.

How does herd immunity protect those who are not vaccinated?

It reduces the likelihood of exposure to the disease for those who cannot get vaccinated.

What is the limitation of herd immunity?

Herd immunity only works on communicable diseases.

What was the early method of vaccination called?

The early method was called variolation.

What was used in variolation to prevent smallpox?

Fluid from the pustules of an infected person was used.

Who created a safer preventative for smallpox?

Edward Jenner created a safer preventative using cowpox fluid.

What is a cross reaction in the context of vaccines?

A cross reaction occurs when antibodies for one pathogen recognize and respond to a similar pathogen.

What was the first live, attenuated vaccine?

The first live, attenuated vaccine was created using cowpox.

What are live attenuated vaccines?

Live attenuated vaccines use a weakened live pathogen that can replicate but does not cause severe disease.

What is a major pro of live attenuated vaccines?

They are very effective because they stimulate the entire adaptive immune system.

What is a major con of live attenuated vaccines?

They are more dangerous because they use a live pathogen that can potentially proliferate.

What are inactivated killed vaccines?

Inactivated killed vaccines use pathogens that have been killed by chemical agents but remain intact.

What type of immunity do inactivated killed vaccines mainly stimulate?

They mainly stimulate humoral immunity.

What is a con of inactivated killed vaccines?

They require booster shots because they do not stimulate T cells for memory cell replication.

What is an example of a live attenuated vaccine?

Examples include measles, mumps, chickenpox, and shingles vaccines.

Why are inactivated killed vaccines less dangerous?

They use killed pathogens that cannot cause disease.

What is the role of T-cells in the immune response to vaccines?

T-cells recognize intracellular pathogens and boost memory B-cell production.

What can happen if a person is variolated?

Some people could die from variolation due to the virulence of smallpox.

What is the significance of the term 'vacca' in vaccination?

It refers to the Latin word for cow, relating to the use of cowpox in the first vaccine.

What is the effect of vaccines on the likelihood of severe illness?

Vaccines significantly reduce the likelihood of severe illness or death from infections.

What are subunit (recombinant) vaccines made from?

Antigenic fragments of the pathogen that stimulate an immune response.

What is the difference between non-recombinant and recombinant subunit vaccines?

Non-recombinant vaccines are made from purified antigenic fragments, while recombinant vaccines use isolated genes for antigens that are cloned and expressed by bacteria.

What are the pros of subunit vaccines?

They are much safer than live vaccines and usually safer than inactivated vaccines.

What are some examples of subunit vaccines?

Pertussis, hepatitis, and typhoid vaccines.

What are toxoid vaccines made from?

Inactivated toxins of a pathogen that cause an antibody response.

What are some examples of toxoid vaccines?

Diphtheria and tetanus vaccines (most of the DTaP vaccine).

What are VLP vaccines?

Protein particles lacking a genome, resembling intact viruses, that primarily trigger humoral immunity.

What are the pros and cons of VLP vaccines?

Pros: Safe and stimulate humoral immunity. Cons: Do not stimulate T-cells.

What is an example of a VLP vaccine?

HPV vaccine (human papilloma virus).

What are conjugated vaccines made from?

Capsular polysaccharide antigens linked to other substances like proteins.

What is the advantage of conjugated vaccines?

They produce a stronger immune response, activating both B and T-cells.

What are some examples of conjugated vaccines?

Flu type B and pneumococcal meningitis vaccines.

How are DNA vaccines produced?

By inserting pathogen DNA into a carrying molecule, like a plasmid, which is then injected into a recipient.

What is the benefit of DNA vaccines?

They stimulate both sides of the immune system.

What is an example of a DNA vaccine?

Zika virus vaccine.

What are recombinant vector vaccines?

Vaccines made from genetically modified benign viruses or bacteria carrying DNA that codes for antigens.

What is a key feature of recombinant vector vaccines?

They cannot cause disease but trigger the immune system by expressing antigens.

What are examples of recombinant vector vaccines?

HIV and Hepatitis C vaccines, J&J

What type of vaccine is the Pfizer COVID vaccine?

An RNA vaccine made from mRNA coding for the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein, modified for homology and encased in lipid nanoparticles for protection.

How does the Pfizer COVID vaccine stimulate an immune response?

Recipient cells take up the mRNA and express the gene for protein spikes, stimulating B and T cells.

What type of vaccine is the Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine?

A recombinant vector vaccine using a modified adenovirus.

What is the purpose of adjuvants in vaccines?

To enhance the efficacy of a vaccine.

What are the common side effects of vaccines?

Fatigue, headaches, tenderness at the injection site, or a rash.

What is the overall benefit of vaccines?

They are incredibly safe and effective at preventing disease, saving millions of lives.

What misconception about vaccines is addressed?

There is no scientific evidence that vaccines cause autism.

What was the impact of the diphtheria vaccine?

Before the vaccine, 15,000 Americans died from diphtheria in 1921; since 2003, only one case has been reported.

If a vaccine to a specific viral disease contained only a viral envelope protein, this would be called

a subunit vaccine

3 multiple choice options

If a vaccine contained an avirulent form of a whole virus, capable of replicating, this would be called

a live attenuated vaccine

3 multiple choice options