How mRNA vaccines work
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Messenger RNA vaccines carry genetic instructions which enable a recipient’s cells to make proteins that prime the immune system
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Coronavirus
“Spike” protein
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1. RNA vaccine: Messenger RNA (mRNA) is made from DNA template – mRNA contains sequence that codes for virus spike protein 

Synthetic mRNA sequence DNA template
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2. RNA sequence: Blueprint for making spike protein is packaged in microscopic oily-lipid droplets for delivery

mRNA lipid nanoparticles
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3. Vaccination: Recipient cells read mRNA sequence and produce millions of copies of spike protein

Human cell
Antibodies 
Protein 
T cells
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4. Viral protein: Displayed on surface of cell, it stimulates immune system to produce antibodies
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5. If enough antibodies bind to virus, it can not enter cells to make copies of itself
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Sources: Pfizer, Moderna, Bloomberg, Reuters
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