How a single medical breakthrough changed the course of human history
In short: Explore the biological mechanics of vaccination and the science behind mRNA technology. This lecture by Professor Robin May explains how our immune systems learn to recognize millions of different threats.
The lecture traces the evolution of immunology, from Edward Jenner's 179-century discovery using cowpox to the modern era of groundbreaking mRNA vaccines. It examines how the deliberate introduction of antigens activates T-cells and B-cells, which use random DNA reshuffling to create unique receptors capable of identifying diverse foreign molecules.
Professor May also details the sophisticated process where B-cells undergo targeted mutations to refine antibodies, making them more effective at blocking pathogens. The session addresses why we cannot vaccinate against every possible disease and reflects on the estimated 150 million lives saved by vaccines over the last fifty years.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How Do Vaccines Work? - Robin May
- Also: How Do Vaccines Work?
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