The recent developments in the field of virology have given hope to mankind, as the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) has initiated the production of an inactivated virus vaccine against the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). This article delves into the process of inactivated vaccine creation, its benefits, challenges faced during the development, and contrasts it with other types of vaccines.
Inculcating Immunity: The Role of Vaccines
Believed to be the most potent weapon against the lethal effects of viruses, vaccination has often been adopted as a long-term solution. With the pandemic at hand, it is especially crucial. Inactivated vaccines are hailed for their safety and ease of manufacturing process.
The Making of Inactivated Vaccines
The building blocks of inactivated vaccines are active pathogens. They are cultivated in enormous quantities and later terminated either chemically or by using heat. Even after the pathogen is dead and loses reproductive capabilities, many sections of it, including the antigen, remain intact. When this defunct microbe gets introduced into the body, the immune system springs into action, unknowingly producing antibodies against the specific antigens that are still viable. As the pathogen is inactive and cannot replicate, it poses no threat, making it safe to administer to people with lower immunity levels such as the elderly and those with comorbidity.
Benefits and Challenges
The advantage of inactivated vaccines is that if a large quantity of the coronavirus is grown and inactivated, it becomes the ideal material for candidate vaccines. But, the significant technological challenge lies in the cultivation of the coronavirus outside the human host. The CCMB is trying to overcome this by using the epithelial cell line from African green monkeys to grow the deadly virus artificially. If the cells show changes, including cell death and virus release, then they consider the culture positive.
Aiding in Drug Development
Identifying the right cell growth technology for the novel coronavirus plays a vital role in drug development. The process adopted by the CCMB using cell lines from African green monkeys might offer insights into this area.
Other Varieties of Vaccines
1. Live-attenuated vaccines use a weakened form of the disease-causing germ. As these vaccines closely resemble the natural infection, they elicit a strong and enduring immune response. However, these vaccines are not recommended for people with weakened immune systems.
2. Subunit, recombinant, polysaccharide, and conjugate vaccines utilize specific parts of the germ – like its protein or sugar. These vaccines evoke an intense immune response and can be administered to people with compromised immune systems and lingering health conditions.
3. Toxoid vaccines, on the other hand, employ a toxin produced by the disease-causing germ. They are primarily used to defend against Diphtheria and Tetanus.
In the current scenario, understanding these medical nuances provides us with the comfort of knowledge and the hope of finding a definitive solution against the pandemic. It also emphasizes the importance of the rigorous efforts being made in laboratories worldwide in our fight against COVID-19.