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Understanding Vaccines What They Are How They Work - VIOLIN

Understanding Vaccines What They Are How They Work - VIOLIN

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So-called naked DNA vaccines consist of DNA that is<br />

administered directly into the body. These vaccines can<br />

be administered with a needle and syringe or with a<br />

needle-less device that uses high-pressure gas to shoot<br />

microscopic gold particles coated with DNA directly into<br />

cells. Sometimes, the DNA is mixed with molecules that<br />

facilitate its uptake by the body’s cells. Naked DNA<br />

vaccines being tested in humans include those against the<br />

viruses that cause influenza and herpes as well as HIV.<br />

Recombinant Vector <strong>Vaccines</strong><br />

Recombinant vector vaccines could be another possible<br />

strategy against bacterium X. These experimental<br />

vaccines are similar to DNA vaccines, but they use an<br />

attenuated virus or bacterium to introduce microbial<br />

DNA to cells of the body. Vector refers to the virus or<br />

bacterium used as the carrier.<br />

Harmless<br />

microbial shell<br />

Genes from diseasecausing<br />

microbe<br />

Recombinant vector vaccines use the harmless shell of one<br />

microbe to deliver genetic material of a disease-causing microbe.<br />

The genetic material contains the code for making vaccine antigen<br />

inside some of the body’s cells, using those cells as “factories.”

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