DNA Vaccines Effective in Hamsters

Researchers from Taiwan developed a vaccine using DNA of coronavirus spike protein and tested its efficacy on Mice and Hamsters. This technique is different than mRNA vaccines.

Highlights

• DNA vaccines are usually hard to deliver into cells. But, researchers from National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan, coupled electroporation while delivering DNA vaccination.
• According to research, mice and hamsters immunised with new DNA vaccine developed long-lasting antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
• Antibodies peaked at eight weeks after immunisation but levels were relatively high at week 20.

What is DNA Vaccine?

DNA vaccine is thermally stable and no cold chain-needed in such vaccines. It can induce high levels of long-lasting neutralising antibody against SARS-CoV-2.  It can be produced quickly at lower cost. Several clinical trials have indicated the efficacy of DNA vaccines in treating infections like Zika, HIV-1, Ebola and influenza viruses.

What is mRNA-based vaccines?

Most of the available Covid-19 vaccines is based on mRNA strands. Such vaccines teach human immune system to recognize SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Similarity between both vaccines

Both DNA based and mRNA-based vaccines use genetic material encoding part of virus to draw out an immune response.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2021