Fig. 1: Illustration of the mechanism of action of mRNA vaccines and immune system response. | Genes & Immunity

Fig. 1: Illustration of the mechanism of action of mRNA vaccines and immune system response.

From: Gene therapy avenues and COVID-19 vaccines

Fig. 1

Both mRNA vaccines are administered intramuscularly. Following the injection, lipid nanoparticles approach the cells and release mRNA inside the cytoplasmic space to encode a full-length mutated SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein to be present at the out surface of the cells. The human immune system recognizes the spike protein and identifies it as a foreign body. Thus, antibodies are generated to fight the protein. Copies of the generated antibodies will be stored in the body to fight any potential COVID-19 infection in the future. Both vaccines are being given in two different jabs three to four weeks apart.

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