Daily Current Affairs : 3-October-2023
In the realm of medical breakthroughs, the year 2023 marked a significant milestone as scientists Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Their groundbreaking work paved the way for the development of mRNA vaccines against the menacing Covid-19 virus. This recognition is a testament to the pivotal role they played in revolutionizing the field of medicine and immunization.
Unraveling the Marvel of mRNA
- Historical Context:
- In 1989, RNA as a therapeutic concept emerged with the discovery of a versatile in vitro transfection technique.
- Subsequently, mRNA was identified as a potential vaccine platform, initiating a new era in medical research.
- Mechanism of mRNA Vaccines:
- mRNA, once introduced into the body, instructs recipient cells to produce specific proteins.
- These proteins stimulate an immune response, enabling the body to recognize and combat intact viruses or tumor cells.
- Essentially, the patient’s cells transform into miniature manufacturing plants, generating precise replicas of viral mutations for immune system recognition.
Kariko and Weissman: Unraveling the Puzzle of Inflammatory Reactions
- Dendritic Cells and Immune Surveillance:
- Dendritic cells, integral to immune surveillance, play a key role in vaccine-induced immune responses.
- However, the body’s natural response to lab-grown genetically engineered mRNA involves releasing inflammatory signaling molecules.
- Innovation and Discovery:
- Kariko and Weissman discerned that the immune system treated lab-created mRNA as foreign, triggering unwanted inflammation.
- Their breakthrough insight lay in recognizing the absence of chemically modified bases in lab-created mRNA, unlike those in naturally occurring RNA from mammalian cells.
- The Experiment that Transformed Immunology:
- The duo conducted experiments with various mRNA variants, each containing unique chemical alterations in their bases.
- Introduction of these base modifications significantly reduced the inflammatory response when delivered to dendritic cells.
- This discovery had profound implications, as it unveiled a method to curtail unwanted immune reactions, laying the foundation for safe and effective mRNA vaccines.
Important Points:
- Scientists Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2023 for their work on mRNA vaccines against Covid-19.
- Their research revolutionized the field of medicine and immunization.
Understanding mRNA and Vaccine Mechanism:
- mRNA instructs cells to produce specific proteins, stimulating an immune response.
- Recipient cells act as manufacturing plants, creating replicas of viral mutations for immune recognition.
- mRNA vaccines enable the body to combat intact viruses or tumor cells effectively.
Kariko and Weissman’s Contribution:
- Dendritic cells, vital for immune surveillance, trigger inflammatory responses against lab-grown mRNA.
- Lab-created mRNA lacks chemical modifications present in naturally occurring RNA from mammalian cells.
- Kariko and Weissman’s experiments with chemically altered mRNA variants reduced inflammatory responses in dendritic cells significantly.
- Their innovation paved the way for safe and effective mRNA vaccines by minimizing unwanted immune reactions.
Legacy of Innovation:
- Kariko and Weissman’s work showcases human ingenuity and scientific perseverance.
- Their research journey, from theoretical concept to life-saving reality, highlights the power of scientific inquiry.
- Their Nobel Prize win celebrates their brilliance and underscores the potential of scientific discovery to shape a healthier, safer future.
Why In News
The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to scientists Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman for their groundbreaking contributions that paved the way for the development of mRNA vaccines against Covid-19, revolutionizing the field of medicine and bringing hope to millions worldwide.
MCQs about mRNA Vaccines: A Nobel-Winning Scientific Breakthrough
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How did Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman’s research impact the medical field?
A. Enhanced cancer treatments
B. Advanced antibiotic development
C. Pioneered mRNA vaccines against Covid-19
D. Revolutionized gene therapy
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What is the primary function of mRNA vaccines in the body?
A. Directly attack viruses
B. Instruct cells to produce specific proteins, stimulating an immune response
C. Destroy immune cells
D. Create a physical barrier against infections
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What role do dendritic cells play in the immune response to vaccines?
A. They trigger inflammatory responses
B. They act as manufacturing plants for vaccines
C. They recognize foreign substances and activate vaccine-induced immune responses
D. They produce specific proteins
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Why did Kariko and Weissman modify the mRNA in their experiments?
A. To make it taste better
B. To minimize unwanted inflammatory reactions
C. To increase its shelf life
D. To improve its color
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