Understanding Vaccines and the Immune System

Edward Jenner's Discovery

• 1796: Edward Jenner developed the first vaccine by injecting cowpox virus material into an 8-year-old boy.
• Success led to protection against smallpox, marking the advent of vaccination.

Immune System Basics

• Innate Immune Response:
  • First line of defense against foreign microbes.
  • Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, inflammation, and fever to eliminate threats like bacteria.
• Adaptive Immunity:
  • Involves B cells and T cells.
  • Records information about pathogens to create a memory for future defense.
  • Important for developing a targeted response to specific pathogens.

How Vaccines Work

• Vaccines prepare the immune system by triggering adaptive immunity without causing the full disease.
• Live Attenuated Vaccines:
  • Made from weakened form of the pathogen.
  • Can trigger a strong immune response but not suitable for individuals with weak immune systems.
• Inactive Vaccines:
  • Contain killed pathogens.
  • Less powerful, shorter-term immunity than live vaccines.
  • Safe for individuals with weaker immune systems.
• Subunit Vaccines:
  • Made from antigens, the parts of the pathogen that trigger the immune response.
  • Target specific pathogen components, like proteins or polysaccharides.

Advances in Vaccine Technology

• DNA Vaccines:
  • Use genes to produce antigens within the body, promoting a strong immune response.
  • Only include essential genetic materials, reducing risk of disease development.
  • Potential for developing more effective treatments against diseases like HIV, malaria, and Ebola.

Conclusion

• Vaccines harness the principles of the immune system to protect against diseases.
• Continued innovation in vaccine development is crucial for future medical advancements and combating severe pathogens.