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A brief review of the COVID vaccines

RBC | This article is directed toward readers who may have lingering concerns about vaccine safety, those who are confused by misinformation circulating on the web, and anyone interested in the basic biology of vaccination. This is, particularly, the remarkable story of the new mRNA vaccines. I can’t cover all the details. Three short animations help to illustrate the processes I describe; readers can find links to them at the end of the article.

In the following brief sketch of the viral life cycle and the body’s immune response, ‘virus’ refers specifically to SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19, and ‘cell’ refers to the human cells it attacks. While the discussion is specific to SARS-CoV-2, other viral infections follow the same general pattern.

Viruses take over normal cells’ replication machinery and use it to produce more viruses, which then infect other cells. Disease results from the damage to those previously healthy cells and also as a side effect of the body’s own inflammatory response.

There are several steps in the life cycle of a virus. First it has to stick to the surface of a cell, e.g. a cell in the lining of the airway. That’s where the coronavirus spike protein comes in. It binds to a protein common to the surface of human cells. If you can prevent that binding, you prevent infection and disease.

After binding, the virus has to gain entry into the cell. Binding of the coronavirus spike protein initiates a series of events by which the cell pulls the virus inside.

Then the virus takes over the cell’s own replication and transcription machinery to produce new viral RNA and new viral proteins. (RNA is the genetic blueprint for making new copies of the virus.) Those proteins self-assemble into new virus particles, encapsulating the new viral RNA. The new viruses burst out of the cell, destroying it, and disperse to infect other cells.

The body’s immune system responds to a new infection and then creates a memory bank to react to future infections more quickly.

As with any pathogen, our immune systems jump into action if there’s a COVID infection. Specialized T-cells recognize the viral spike protein displayed on the surface of infected cells and on other antigen-presenting cells of the immune system, the cellular scouts out on the body’s defensive perimeter. Those T-cells release signaling and activating chemicals that recruit killer cells, which destroy anything carrying the spike protein. Other chemical signals from the T-cells activate B-cells which produce antibodies to the spike protein. (Antibodies are specialized defensive proteins produced by the immune system.) Those antibodies stick to the spike protein. That prevents the spike protein from binding to new cells and infecting them. Antibodies bound to the spike protein also activate other chemical cascades and attract other immune cells that destroy any virus or cell carrying the viral spike protein. Meanwhile, inflammation brings more immune cells and antibodies into an infected region. After the infection is cleared, memory T-cells remain in the circulation and in lymph nodes, ready to activate a response to any repeat infection by that strain of virus.

Vaccines activate the immune system and create protective immune memory using weakened or killed virus or, with the newly available technologies, by activating production of the spike protein without the presence of the actual virus.

The Johnson&Johnson and AstraZeneca vaccines carry the spike protein into the body using adenovirus vectors, viruses that themselves do not cause disease. The mRNA vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer), on the other hand, employ a system that delivers a snippet of coronavirus RNA into the cells. That snippet carries the RNA blueprint for the spike protein. Just as they do with their own RNA to produce normal cellular proteins, those injected cells produce the viral spike protein, and the immune system responds as it would to the spike protein in a real infection. That ramps up immune defenses, as outlined above, and over time creates memory cells that can recognize and obliterate the real virus. In some people, the inflammatory response also gets activated; that’s what causes the common side effects of soreness at the injection site or flu-like symptoms for a day or two.

Same as in their normal day-to-day protein production, the spike-producing cells inactivate viral mRNA in a few minutes to hours. There’s no lingering viral mutant monster.

It’s important to note that the new mRNA vaccine technology is exactly replicating the same cellular mechanics and the same immune response as would result from the real coronavirus infection, except there’s not a complete RNA genome to build whole virus. There’s only the RNA segment for the spike protein. That’s what the immune system responds to. That’s what prevents infection with the real thing. And even more promising, the new technologies enable rapid development of new vaccines to counter new variants of the spike protein or other antigens (viral proteins that activate the immune system).

The science that has produced these extraordinary vaccines is the result of nearly 70 years of research. We stand on the shoulders of giants dating back even further, to the early geneticists like Gregor Mendel and beyond. We are enormously fortunate to live in a time where a vaccine can be developed in just a few months, a vaccine that can stop a global pandemic.

One hundred years ago four out of 10 children born in the United States did not survive to adulthood. They died from smallpox and measles and diphtheria and pertussis and a host of other infectious diseases. (Other public health deficits certainly contributed to high infant and childhood mortality, but infectious diseases were top of the list.) Today, and unless we assume that it can never happen to us because it’s not happening now, children are protected by vaccination. They survive. Vaccines save lives. The COVID vaccines have undoubtedly prevented hundreds of thousands of deaths already. If enough of us get vaccinated, we can stop the pandemic.

How mRNA vaccines work. Harvard University Public Health. 2021.


How vaccines work. Nature video. 2021.


How new vaccines are developed. Nature video. 2021.


By BOB DORSETT, MD – Special to the Herald Times

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  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
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  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
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  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
  • Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
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1/9
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
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3 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
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Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
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The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
6 days ago
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Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
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