With reference to recent developments regarding ‘Recombinant Vector Vaccines’, consider the following statements:
- Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines.
- Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — Both 1 and 2
Recombinant vector vaccines utilize genetic engineering to insert pathogen genes into harmless carrier organisms (vectors), which then deliver these genes into human cells to produce antigens and trigger immunity. Both viruses (like Adenoviruses in Covishield) and bacteria (like attenuated Salmonella or BCG) can serve as vectors in these vaccines.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Genetic engineering is essential for developing recombinant vector vaccines, involving the insertion of pathogen antigen genes into a vector's genetic material.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Both bacteria (e.g., Salmonella, BCG) and viruses (e.g., Adenovirus, VSV) are used as vectors to deliver antigens.
📝 Short Notes: Recombinant Vector Vaccines
- Technology: Uses genetic engineering to insert genes encoding pathogen antigens into harmless viral or bacterial vectors
- Mechanism: Vectors deliver genetic material into host cells, which then produce antigens triggering immune response
- Viral Vectors: Adenoviruses (Covishield/Sputnik V), Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (Ebola vaccine - Ervebo), Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA)
- Bacterial Vectors: Attenuated Salmonella typhimurium, Mycobacterium bovis (BCG), Listeria monocytogenes strains
- Advantages: Strong cellular and humoral immunity, no live pathogen used, scalable production
- Examples: COVID-19 vaccines (AstraZeneca/Covishield, J&J, Sputnik V), Ebola vaccine (Ervebo), experimental TB and malaria vaccines
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