How the
COVID-19
Vaccine works
By: Elsdon Wong & Kaiden
Hong
TABLE OF CONTENTS
of
01. Introduction
Antigen
by
03. Recognition
Immune Cells
05. T Cell Activation
07. Antibody
Production
Response
09. Immune
Against Actual Virus
00. What is COVID-19?
02. Administration
of
04. Activation
Immune Response
06. B Cell Activation
Cell
08. Memory
Formation
10.
Prevention or Reduction
of Disease Severity
00
What is
COVID-19?
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19, also known as “Coronavirus Disease 2019” was a
virus disease similar to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This virus was
first discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Since
then it has spread all throughout China, and their many
provinces, and has spread to other countries, labeling this
as a global pandemic. Symptoms include mild to severe
fever, coughs, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, loss
of smell and taste, sore throats, headaches, congestions,
nausea, and diarrhea.
01
Introduction
of Antigen
Introduction of Antigen
Antigen is a substance that is able to start a immune
response within your body. This can allow your body to
create antibodies or activate specific immune cells.
Antigens are usually various types of proteins or proteins
that are found on your body’s viruses, bacterias, fungus,
parasites other outside substances. Cells like dendritic cell
or antigen presenting cells process the antigen to other
immune cells, triggering a immune response.
02
Administration
Administration
COVID-19 vaccines are usually given as a shot in the upper arm muscle.
Before giving the vaccine, healthcare professionals make sure that the
injection area is clean to prevent infections. The vaccine is injected at a
specific angle. After the injection, individuals may experience mild
soreness or swelling at the injection area, as well as symptoms similar to
the virus. Healthcare providers will then carefully monitor for any
immediate reactions to the vaccine. Vaccination efforts is a complex
progress, because of things like scheduling appointments, managing
vaccine storages, and ensuring widespread access. Proper
administration of COVID-19 vaccines is important for achieving high
vaccination coverage and effectively preventing the spread of the virus.
03
Recognition by
Immune Cells
Recognition by Immune Cells
Recognition by immune cells, notably dendritic cells, is vital in
vaccine response. Antigen-presenting cells encounter vaccine
antigens, like spike proteins, and internalize them. Within dendritic
cells, antigens are broken down into smaller fragments and
displayed on the cell surface via MHC molecules. This presentation
alerts T cells, triggering immune response orchestration. Helper T
cells activate and stimulate B cells to produce antibodies while
activating killer T cells to eliminate infected cells. This process
primes the immune system to combat future encounters with the
virus, ensuring an effective defense mechanism following
vaccination.
04
Activation of
Immune
Response
Activation of Immune Response
When we get a vaccine or catch a virus, our body's immune
system gets activated. Special cells called antigen-presenting
cells show the virus to T-cells, activating them. Then, helper Tcells create a different cell called cytokines. These help B-cells
make antibodies that fight the virus. Also, they activate killer
T-cells, which kill cells infected by the virus. This helps stop
the virus from spreading. It's super important for fighting
diseases like COVID-19. Vaccines help make our immune
system strong so it can fight viruses faster.
05
T Cell
Activation
T-Cell Activation
When our body faces viruses like COVID-19, a special type of cell
called antigen-presenting cells show parts of the virus to T-cells
using MHC molecules. When T-cells find a match with these virus
parts, they get turned on and start multiplying. Helper T-cells then
make cytokines, which help B cells and killer T cells in fighting the
virus. Killer T-cells directly attack and kill the virus-infected cells.
This collaboration is extremely significant to rid the virus from our
bodies and ensure our protection for longer periods. Learning about
T-cell activation helps scientists make better vaccines and
treatments for viruses.
06
B Cell Activation
B-Cell Activation
When our body encounters germs like COVID-19, special cells
show these germs to B cells. This makes the B-cells start
working. They change into plasma cells, which make antibodies
that fight the virus. These antibodies stick to the infected cells
and help other immune cells destroy them. Also, some B-cells
turn into memory B-cells, which helps us stay protected in case
we meet the same virus again. B-cell activation is super
important because it helps make antibodies that keep us safe
from getting sick and stops the germ from spreading. Learning
about this helps scientists make better COVID-19 vaccines.
07
Antibody
Production
Antibody Production
Whenever a virus like COVID-19 infects us, our body responds by
making something called antibodies, which are made by B-cells.
When B-cells see a virus, they reform into plasma cells, making
antibodies that would stick to a virus. By doing this, they help stop
germs from making us sick and help our bodies get rid of them. Our
body is also capable of developing memory B cells that put the germ
into our body's memory so that we will be able to tell if the same
virus has invaded and fight it off. Antibodies work to help prevent us
from getting sick from the same/similar disease.
08
Memory Cell
Formation
Memory Cell Formation
Memory Cell Formation is a important part of the immune response.
This happens when the body encounters a virus or disease. Memory
cells are a type of cell that will “remember” previous encounters of
the specific disease or virus and will train T-Cells into being able to
fight them off the next time they come into contact with each other.
The first time that memory cells, it will activate a immune response
for T and B-cells to kill the virus or disease. After the disease is
eliminated, memory cells will look at the disease and study it to train
the other T and B-cells to be prepared for a later encounter with the
same disease.
09
Immune Response
Against Actual Virus
Immune Response Against Actual Virus
Our immune system reacts to kick out COVID-19 from our body
through dendritic cells and macrophages. These cells spot
COVID-19 particles and signal cytokines to gather all the other
immune cells to help fight wherever the infection is occurring.
This benefits our body by preventing the spread of the virus
and eventually getting the virus out of our bodies. Once the
virus is out of our body, we can then return to our everyday
normal functions.
10
Prevention or Reduction
of Disease Severity
Prevention or Reduction of Disease
Severity
If we ever get sick from COVID-19, our immune cells work together to
start fighting it off. The memory B cells work like superheroes in order to
quickly make SPECIAL stuff called antibodies. These antibodies, sas
stated earlier, grab onto the virus and stop the virus cells from getting
us sick. Memory T cells also benefit our body by destroying the cells that
they see are infected with COVId-19 virus. Dendritic cells cooperate with
the other cells by adding like a support system making the other cells
even strong. Through all of these cells working together, our body is
safe, and helps s get better from COVID-19.
The
End
By: Elsdon Wong & Kaiden
Hong