mRNA

mRNA vaccines give the body the genetic code it needs to make specific proteins.

Our bodies usually respond to infections by detecting the “invader” and mounting an “immune response”. We do this by detecting proteins on the surface of the invader, imagine recognizing uniform that’s different to yours. We then respond for example by producing antibodies and other molecules that ultimately destroy the invader.

Traditional vaccines usually provide the invaders’ uniform directly to our body cells so that we can respond appropriately. mRNA vaccines are different. Rather than provide the uniform, the mRNA vaccine provides its’ genetic code. Our bodies then make the uniform and follow-on with the immune response.