Biochemistry

#ChemVsCOVID: Highlighting how science has helped fight COVID-19

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A year and a day ago, the genetic sequence of the virus that has since spread across the world was shared. Though we were yet to appreciate the effect that the virus would come to have on our lives, this was already the moment at which science started to fight back. In this new series of graphics, made with the Royal Society of Chemistry, we’ll be highlighting the key scientific milestones that have brought us treatments, vaccines, and more.

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How does the Oxford & AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine work? A guide to viral vector vaccines

Infographic on viral vector vaccines. The SARS-CoV-2 virus contains a gene which codes for the virus spike protein. In viral vector vaccines, this gene is added to the genetic material of another virus, making it a viral vector. This vector is altered so it can't cause disease. Once the viral vector is inside our cells it produces the virus spike protein, triggering an immune response. These vaccines can be produced relatively quickly. The genetic instructions for making the spike protein are broken down in our cells after use. Viral vector vaccines cause a strong immune response which can mean minor side effects are more common. Different viruses can be used as viral vectors; the AstraZeneca vaccine uses a chimp adenovirus, while some others use a human adenovirus. Some people may have immunity to human adenoviruses, potentially reducing vaccine effectiveness.
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Relatively hot on the heels of the Pfizer & BioNTech RNA vaccine, today the UK has approved the Oxford University & AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The Oxford vaccine is a viral vector vaccine, which works slightly differently to the RNA vaccines. This graphic, made with the Royal Society of Chemistry, looks at how they work and highlights other vaccines of this type in use or development for COVID-19.

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