Part 4/13:
At the core of vaccine development is understanding how the virus infects human cells. The virus uses its spike proteins, akin to a key fitting into receptors on lung cells, to gain entry. The goal of a vaccine is to prompt the immune system to produce antibodies targeting these spike proteins, effectively blocking the virus's entry mechanism.
In addition to antibodies, T-cells—special immune cells known as killer cells—play a critical role by recognizing infected cells and destroying them. The most effective vaccines stimulate both antibody production and T-cell responses, establishing a robust and comprehensive immune defense.