Immune System Series
Understanding how our immune system works can be challenging for most people. We are taught the basics in school, but unless we pursue a degree in biology or a similar field, we tend to forget most of the details. It is only when we get sick that we sometimes wish we knew more. Through a simple series of graphics, I have broken down the basics of how the immune system works as well as how vaccines work to boast it in a manner that is easy to comprehend.
Individual Images with Descriptions
Your body is like a castle. You have outward defenses against invading viruses. Things like you skin (castle walls) and mucus and saliva (moat) work to keep the bad guys out.
However, sometimes the invading army of viruses gets past these barriers and your internal army of white blood cells gets to work. Different types of cells have different responsibilities.
Viruses contain RNA which can be thought of as a bad set of instructions. Viruses also have spike proteins surrounding them. These spikes act like portals and are called antigens.
The spikes stick to a healthy person's cells and the virus RNA is sent through the spike into the cell. Once inside, the RNA takes over the cell and turns it into a virus making factory.
As the virus replicates and healthy cells are destroyed, we begin to feel sick. Chaos effectively ensues within our bodies as the invading virus army takes over and multiplies.
Our bodies mount a more aggressive defense against the virus. It builds up an army of antibodies. These "specialized soldiers" are uniquely designed to fight this specific virus. They effectively close the door on the virus' spiky portal preventing the virus from attaching to our cells. If the shape of the spike changes too much, the antibodies won't be able to lock the door anymore so to speak.
Vaccines cause an immune response in the body without viral infection. They help you have an army of antibodies ready before the invading virus gets into your castle (body) rather than waiting until the enemy is already inside.
There are several ways to make a vaccine but they start with the same couple steps. First one must understand the anatomy of a virus. They then must decode its RNA to find the code that creates the spike protein. Afterwards, there are multiple ways to create a vaccine. Two such ways are a Viral Vector Vaccine and a mRNA Vaccine.
The RNA of a cold-like virus is removed rendering the virus harmless. The code for the spike protein of another virus is inserted inside. This creates a viral vector vaccine.
Once in your body, the harmless virus attaches to a cell and inserts the spike protein code. The cell then develops spikes like a virus but otherwise does not change. The RNA from the vaccine is then destroyed. When your body sees the spikes, it perceives them as a threat and responds by producing an army of antibodies.
An mRNA vaccine works by taking the genetic code for making a spike protein and producing a "knock-off" version of it in the lab. This knock-off code (mRNA) is then inserted into a liposomal nanopartical which essentially is a fat bubble for protection. This is the vaccine.
Once in your body, the "knock-off" spike protein code enters your cells. The cells then produce harmless spikes and release them into your system. The mRNA from the vaccine is then destroyed. When your body sees the spikes, it perceives them as a threat and responds by producing an army of antibodies.
