Vaccine Flashcards
Innate vs Acquired Immunity
Innate immunity is the body’s first line of defense, non-specific and present from birth, while acquired immunity is developed over time through exposure to pathogens.
B cells vs T cells
B cells provide humoral immunity by producing antibodies, while T cells mediate cell-based immunity by attacking infected or abnormal cells.
Active vs Passive Immunity
Active immunity is acquired through vaccination or infection, producing long-term protection, whereas passive immunity is received through antibodies (e.g., maternal or monoclonal antibodies).
Principle of Memory in Vaccination
Vaccines work by stimulating immune memory, enabling the body to recognize and respond quickly to future infections.
Types of Vaccines Based on Administration
Vaccines can be administered via intramuscular (IM), intravenous (IV), subcutaneous (SC), nasal, or oral routes.
Types of Vaccines Based on Pathogen
Includes live attenuated, inactivated, subunit, toxoid, recombinant, mRNA, and DNA vaccines.
Inactivated Vaccine
Uses killed pathogens to generate immunity but requires booster doses. Examples: Hepatitis A, Polio (shot), Rabies.
Live Attenuated Vaccine
Uses weakened pathogens to generate strong, long-lasting immunity but can be risky for immunocompromised individuals. Examples: MMR, Rotavirus, Chickenpox.
Subunit Vaccine
Uses antigenic parts of a pathogen, reducing risks associated with whole-pathogen vaccines. Examples: Hepatitis B, HPV.
Recombinant Vector Vaccine
Uses a harmless virus or bacteria to deliver genetic material encoding an antigen. Example: COVID-19 adenovirus-based vaccines.
Conjugate Vaccine
Combines a weak antigen with a strong carrier protein to enhance immune response. Example: Haemophilus influenzae type B (HiB) vaccine.
Polysaccharide Vaccine
Contains carbohydrate molecules from bacterial capsules to trigger an immune response. Example: Pneumococcal vaccine.
Nucleic Acid Vaccines
Use genetic material (DNA or RNA) to instruct cells to produce an antigen, inducing immunity.
mRNA Vaccine
Uses synthetic mRNA to produce an antigen inside host cells, generating an immune response. Example: Pfizer, Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.
Self-Amplifying mRNA Vaccine
An advanced mRNA vaccine that produces multiple copies of the antigen, enhancing immune response and reducing dosage.
DNA Vaccines
Injects genetically engineered DNA to produce antigens in cells, leading to immune system activation. Example: ZyCoV-D.
COVID-19 Vaccine Types
Includes mRNA (Pfizer, Moderna), viral vector (Covishield, Sputnik V), subunit (Novavax), and DNA vaccines (ZyCoV-D).
COVID-19 Vaccines in India
Covishield (viral vector), Covaxin (inactivated virus), Sputnik V (viral vector), ZyCoV-D (DNA), iNCOVACC (nasal vaccine).
ZyCoV-D: India’s First DNA Vaccine
Developed by Zydus Cadila, administered without needles using a jet system, requiring three doses.
iNCOVACC: India’s First Intranasal Vaccine
Developed by Bharat Biotech, using an adenovirus vector for mucosal immunity.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Part of India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), protects against Streptococcus pneumoniae, which causes pneumonia and meningitis.
BCG Vaccine
Developed in 1921 to prevent tuberculosis, also used in cancer immunotherapy.
Toxoid Vaccine
Uses an inactivated bacterial toxin to induce immunity. Examples: Diphtheria, Tetanus toxoid vaccines.
Tetanus Vaccine
Includes both active (toxoid) and passive (immunoglobulin) options for protection.
CAR-T Cell Therapy
A form of gene therapy where T cells are genetically modified to target cancer cells.
CAR-T Therapy Benefits
One-time treatment, shorter recovery, highly effective against certain cancers.
Zinc Finger Nuclease
A genome-editing tool acting as ‘DNA scissors’ to modify genetic sequences.
TALENs (Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases)
A gene-editing technology similar to Zinc Finger Nuclease but with higher specificity.
Site-Directed Nuclease (SDN)
A technique to introduce precise genetic modifications in crops and medical applications.
Homing Endonuclease
A naturally occurring enzyme used for precise DNA cutting in genetic engineering.
Gene Doping
Genetic modification to enhance athletic performance, raising ethical concerns.
Stem Cells
Undifferentiated cells capable of developing into specialized cell types.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Reprogrammed somatic cells that function like embryonic stem cells.
Stem Cell Therapy
Used to treat diseases like leukemia, osteoarthritis, and blindness by regenerating damaged tissues.
Future of Stem Cells
Potential to grow organs in labs using stem cells and 3D printing.
Challenges in Stem Cell Research
Includes ethical concerns, biosafety risks, and accessibility issues.
Therapeutic Cloning
Cloning human cells for medical use, such as organ transplants.
Human Genome Project (HGP)
Mapped all human genes, providing insights into genetic diseases and evolution.
Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) Project
Completed sequencing of the entire human genome, including previously unsequenced regions.
Indian Genome Initiatives
Genome India Project (DBT) and Indigen Project (CSIR) for sequencing diverse Indian populations.
Micronutrients and Deficiencies
Vitamins and minerals essential for preventing diseases like scurvy, rickets, and anemia.
Communicable Diseases
Classified as viral, bacterial, protozoan, and fungal diseases with various transmission methods.
Types of Disease Transmission
Includes fecal-oral, droplet, bloodborne, zoonotic, and wound contamination.
Influenza Virus
Divided into A, B, C, and D types, with H1N1 and H3N2 being common seasonal flu strains.
Viral Diseases
Includes polio, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, and Ebola, each with specific transmission modes.
Bacterial Diseases
Includes tuberculosis, diphtheria, cholera, and pertussis, often preventable through vaccines.
Protozoan Diseases
Includes malaria (caused by Plasmodium) and Kala-azar (caused by Leishmania).
Fungal Infections
Includes ringworm and athlete’s foot, typically affecting the skin and nails.
Common Disease Vectors
Aedes (Dengue, Zika), Anopheles (Malaria), Culex (Japanese Encephalitis).
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
A major global health threat caused by overuse of antibiotics and poor infection control.
Indian Initiatives Against AMR
Includes the National Action Plan on AMR, Red Line campaign, and FSSAI regulations.
One Health Approach
An integrated strategy addressing human, animal, and environmental health.
One Health Initiatives in India
Includes the One Health Support Unit and National Mission on Biodiversity.
Traditional Medicine
WHO’s Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) in Gujarat focuses on integrating traditional and modern healthcare.
Ayush Initiatives
Includes National AYUSH Mission, Ayush Export Promotion Council, and Ayur Swasthya Yojana.
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)
Diseases prevalent in poor regions, with India eliminating several like Guinea worm and Yaws.
Disease Eradication vs Elimination
Eradication means permanent removal (e.g., smallpox), while elimination means stopping transmission in a region.
Mission Indradhanush
A government immunization program targeting vaccine-preventable diseases in children and pregnant women.
Zika Virus
Transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, can also spread sexually, causing birth defects.
Multi-Drug Resistance (MDR)
Occurs due to antibiotic misuse, leading to resistant bacterial strains.
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
Protects against pneumonia and meningitis, part of India’s immunization program.
Recombinant Vector Vaccines
Uses genetic engineering to insert antigens into harmless viruses.
COVID-19 Vaccine Platforms
Includes mRNA (Pfizer, Moderna), vector-based (Sputnik V), and inactivated (Covaxin).
Role of B and T Cells
B cells produce antibodies, while T cells attack infected or cancerous cells.
Front
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Antigen vs Pathogen
An antigen is a substance that triggers an immune response, while a pathogen is a microorganism that causes disease.
Autoimmunity
A condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells, leading to diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Types of Immunoglobulins (Ig)
Includes IgG (long-term immunity), IgA (mucosal defense), IgM (first response), IgE (allergy response), and IgD (B-cell activation).
Types of RNA Viruses
Includes retroviruses (HIV), flaviviruses (Zika, Dengue), coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2), and orthomyxoviruses (Influenza).
Types of DNA Viruses
Includes adenoviruses (common cold), herpesviruses (HSV, Varicella), poxviruses (Smallpox), and papillomaviruses (HPV).
RT-PCR Test
A laboratory technique that detects RNA viruses by converting RNA into DNA using reverse transcription, then amplifying it.
Covid-19 Variants
Includes Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron, which evolved with different transmissibility and immune escape properties.
Pathogen Evolution
Pathogens evolve through mutation, recombination, and adaptation to host immunity and environmental changes.
Vaccine Adjuvants
Substances like aluminum salts or squalene that enhance the body’s immune response to a vaccine.
Cross-Reactive Immunity
Occurs when an immune response to one pathogen provides partial protection against a related pathogen.
Biofilms
Communities of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and exhibit high resistance to antibiotics.
Pharmacogenetics
The study of how genetic differences influence an individual’s response to drugs.
Gene Drive Technology
Genetic engineering technique that spreads a particular trait rapidly through a population, used in mosquito control.
Xenotransplantation
Transplantation of organs or tissues from animals to humans, with genetic modification to prevent rejection.
Nanomedicine
The application of nanotechnology for drug delivery, imaging, and treatment at the molecular level.
Role of Probiotics in Gut Health
Probiotics aid digestion, enhance immunity, and prevent infections by maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
Microbiome and Disease
Imbalances in the gut microbiome are linked to diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.
Multi-Drug Resistance (MDR) in Bacteria
Occurs when bacteria develop resistance to multiple antibiotics, complicating treatment.
One Health Concept
A collaborative, multi-sectoral approach linking human, animal, and environmental health.
Impact of Climate Change on Infectious Diseases
Rising temperatures and changing ecosystems increase the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue.
Gene Therapy vs CRISPR
Gene therapy introduces functional genes, while CRISPR precisely edits existing genes for targeted corrections.
CAR-T Cell Therapy for Autoimmune Diseases
Being explored as a potential treatment for autoimmune diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis.
Applications of iPSCs
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have applications in regenerative medicine, organ transplants, and disease modeling.
Human Genome Variability
Genetic variations influence disease susceptibility, drug response, and inherited traits.
Epigenetics
The study of changes in gene expression caused by environmental factors without altering DNA sequence.
Pharmacogenomics in Personalized Medicine
Tailoring drug treatments based on an individual’s genetic profile to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects.
Human Microbiome Project
An initiative to map microbial communities in the human body and understand their role in health and disease.
AI in Drug Discovery
Artificial intelligence accelerates the identification of new drugs and vaccine candidates.
CRISPR and Bioethics
CRISPR genome editing raises ethical concerns regarding gene enhancement, designer babies, and unintended mutations.
Quarantine vs Isolation
Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people exposed to a contagious disease, while isolation separates infected individuals from healthy ones.
Antigenic Drift
Gradual mutation in virus genes leading to changes in surface proteins, making it harder for the immune system to recognize the virus.
Antigenic Shift
A major genetic reassortment in viruses (especially influenza) that creates new strains with pandemic potential.
Cold Chain for Vaccines
A temperature-controlled supply chain that maintains vaccine potency from production to administration.
Sterilizing vs Functional Immunity
Sterilizing immunity prevents infection entirely, while functional immunity reduces severity without stopping infection.
Plasmid DNA in Vaccines
Circular DNA molecules used in DNA vaccines to encode antigens for immune response activation.
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Immune responses that cause tissue damage, classified into four types (Type I - IV).
Immune Evasion by Pathogens
Mechanisms like antigenic variation and immune suppression used by pathogens to escape immune detection.
Reverse Vaccinology
A method that uses genome sequencing to identify potential vaccine targets.
Structural Vaccinology
Designing vaccines based on understanding the 3D structure of antigens to enhance immune response.
Maternal Immunization
Vaccination of pregnant women to provide passive immunity to newborns.
Universal Flu Vaccine
A theoretical vaccine targeting conserved viral regions to provide broad protection against influenza strains.
Self-Amplifying mRNA Vaccine
A new type of mRNA vaccine that includes additional genes enabling the mRNA to replicate itself, requiring lower doses and enhancing immune response.
Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) Genome Sequencing
Completed the sequencing of the entire human genome, including heterochromatin regions, improving understanding of genetic variations and diseases.
DNA Vaccine Administration
Injected intramuscularly and delivered into cells using electroporation to stimulate an immune response.
Polysaccharide Vaccine vs Conjugate Vaccine
Polysaccharide vaccines contain only bacterial polysaccharides, while conjugate vaccines link polysaccharides to proteins for a stronger immune response.
Gene Therapy vs CRISPR
Gene therapy inserts new genes, while CRISPR precisely edits existing genes to correct mutations.
Homing Endonuclease
A type of genetic editing tool used for highly specific DNA modifications.
Genetic Variability in Heterochromatin
Previously unsequenced regions of DNA (heterochromatin) contain crucial genetic variations affecting gene regulation and evolution.
National Framework for One Health
Developed by FAO, focuses on integrating human, animal, and environmental health strategies.
Pentavalent Vaccine
A combination vaccine protecting against five diseases, including diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B (HiB).
ZyCoV-D DNA Vaccine
India’s first DNA vaccine for COVID-19, developed by Zydus Cadila, administered needle-free using a jet injector system.
RTS,S Malaria Vaccine
First approved malaria vaccine targeting Plasmodium falciparum, recommended for children in high-risk areas.
Malaria Elimination Research Alliance (MERA)-India
A collaborative research initiative to eliminate malaria from India by 2030.
Filariasis Transmission
Caused by parasitic roundworms, transmitted by Culex, Aedes, and Anopheles mosquitoes.
Vector-Borne Viral Diseases
Includes Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, and Yellow Fever, primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.
One Health Support Unit (OHSU)
India’s initiative for a national One Health framework, integrating zoonotic disease monitoring and control.
Traditional Medicine (TM) vs Complementary Medicine (CM)
Traditional medicine is indigenous knowledge used for health, while complementary medicine includes non-mainstream medical practices integrated into modern healthcare.
Therapeutic Cloning Applications
Used for growing organs, treating genetic disorders, and regenerative medicine.
