Harmless, hollow, virus-like particles were used and there surfaces were studded with fragments of proteins COVID-19 uses to enter human cells, with hopes of tricking the immune system into producing antibodies that block the coronavirus.

Northwestern University

- Experiment 1: Tricking the Immune System
- Experiment 2: Harnessing vesicles
- Experiment 3: Nanoplasmids
- Experiment 4: Insect Cells


Latin American Scientists Join the Coronavirus Vaccine Race

Mega, E. R. 2020. Latin American Scientists Join the Coronavirus Vaccine Race. 582, 471.

Latin American Scientists Join The Coronavirus Vaccine Race

Experiment 1 Methodology and Results

Some bacteria release vesicles to mislead a host's immune system. Researchers have tried to harness these vesicles to carry viral proteins which are antigens that the immune system can recognize and create antibodies against. Recent, yet unpublished research has demonstrated that attaching large amounts of antigens to vesicle, thus inducing a stronger-than-usual immune response.

Experiment 2 Methodology and Results

This vaccine production methodology uses nanoplasmids (rings of DNA) which get taken up by cells. The nanoplasmid encodes a specific protein region that SARS-CoV-2 uses to infect hosts. This allows for cells to produce the antigen and display it which alerts the host's immune system, allowing it to product the proper response.

Experiment 3 Methodology and Results

A 4th experiment provokes an immune response by using insect cells to manufacture coronavirus spike proteins.

Experiment 4 Methodology and Results

All 4 experiments incorporate the manufacturing of coronavirus proteins which spike the host's immune system allowing it to produce anti-SARS-COVID antigens and better arm itself for defeating the virus.

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