Spike protein
receptor
Corona-
virus
1
Vaccine shot carries a specific stretch of messenger RNA containing instructions on how to build the receptor on the virus's surface
mRNA
Cell
Floating receptor
proteins
2
When this synthetic mRNA is injected into a person, it enters their cells and programmes them to build proteins that look like the virus's receptor surface
Immune system
3
These floating receptor proteins then trigger the immune system without causing illness.
If a vaccinated person contracts the disease itself, their immune system will be able to fight it
mRNA
Cell
Floating receptor proteins
Immune system
Spike protein receptor
Corona-
virus
1
Vaccine shot carries a specific stretch of messenger RNA containing instructions on how to build the receptor on the virus's surface
2
When this synthetic mRNA is injected into a person, it enters their cells and programmes them to build proteins that look like the virus's receptor surface
3
These floating receptor proteins then trigger the immune system without causing illness.
If a vaccinated person contracts the disease itself, their immune system will be able to fight it