Biology – Antibodies and vaccination | e-Consult
Antibodies and vaccination (1 questions)
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There are several different types of vaccines, each employing a slightly different approach to stimulate an immune response. These can be broadly classified as:
- Live-attenuated vaccines: These vaccines contain a weakened (attenuated) version of the live pathogen. Because the pathogen is still alive, it elicits a strong and long-lasting immune response. However, they are not suitable for individuals with weakened immune systems. Example: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
- Inactivated vaccines: These vaccines contain killed pathogens. They do not provide as strong an immune response as live-attenuated vaccines, so booster doses are often required. Example: Polio vaccine (IPV).
- Subunit, recombinant, polysaccharide, and conjugate vaccines: These vaccines contain only specific components of the pathogen, such as proteins, sugars, or protein-sugar complexes. They are generally very safe and well-tolerated. Example: Hepatitis B vaccine (recombinant), Pneumococcal vaccine (polysaccharide and conjugate).
- Toxoid vaccines: These vaccines contain inactivated toxins produced by the pathogen. They are used to protect against diseases caused by bacterial toxins. Example: Tetanus and Diphtheria vaccines.
- mRNA vaccines: These vaccines contain messenger RNA (mRNA) that instructs the body's cells to produce a viral protein. This protein then triggers an immune response. Example: COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna).
Each type of vaccine stimulates the immune system differently, but the ultimate goal is the same: to generate antibodies and memory cells that will protect the individual from infection.