COVID-19: What is mRNA vaccine and how does it work? Watch explainer video

Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna have developed an entirely new type of vaccine based on mRNA [Messenger RNA vaccines] to combat coronavirus. A UK-based university, with help of a two-minute-long video, has explained how mRNA vaccine targets immune system to eliminate COVID-19.  coronavirus vaccines, when injected in upper arm sends mRNA into bloodstream. virus makes copies of itself by entering into healthy host cells using protein spike structures that are made out of RNA and DNA. mRNA from vaccine contains  syntic version of RNA that tricks  immune system that virus is present, reby accelerating anti-body-making process. 

When injected, mRNA component acts as an instructor for immunity cells directing m to interpret  protein spike structure of coronavirus which kick starts  immunity mechanism in body. While coronavirus attacks healthy cells, makes copies of itself, and rapidly multiplies, mRNA prepares se cells to fight in advance.  messenger RNA injected from vaccine performs a "crucial task" in body by tricking  healthier cells against ‘spike protein’ and by teaching our immune system what that virus actually looks like. This prepares  immune system to vigorously attack actual virus. 

According to Barry Bloom of Harvard T.H. Chan school of public health, SARS-CoV-2 uses DNA or RNA that wraps itself on coat of proteins altering it into a specific structure. As mRNA enters blood, immunity cells become more aware of se spike protein structures that are also composed of RNA.  This is much different from mechanism of traditional vaccines. “In case of COVID-19, a piece called spike protein is critical piece,” scientists explain. And hence, mRNA vaccine instructs immune system cells to gobble up critical piece of protein, kill virus, and ramp up defense against virus.  mRNA plays a vital role in educating  immune cells to get rid of actual virus. Once cells recognize protein spike structure due to mRNA, it starts to build an immune response and makes antibodies. 

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[SARS-CoV-2. Credit: Twitter/@MediosTec21_Vva]

New vaccines, but kwn previously

mRNA vaccines that have been researched for COVID-19 were manufactured earlier for ailments like flu, Zika, rabies, and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Scientists have used traditional vaccines for over several years against illnesses like polio and measles. After coronavirus pandemic hit world, German company BioNTech, and company in Massachusetts Moderna commenced rigorous research to alter right mRNA sequence for it to combat more complicated illnesses like COVID-19. For this, researchers had to first identify coronavirus. Once genes that make spike protein in SARS-CoV-2 virus were identified, scientists began working on an mRNA vaccine to pave way for widespread immunization again COVID-19. 

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