DNA Vaccines and Recombinant Technology

Unlike traditional vaccines, which often use weakened or inactivated pathogens, DNA vaccines work by introducing a small, synthetic piece of DNA encoding an antigen the part of a pathogen that triggers an immune response directly into the body. This DNA is taken up by the recipient’s cells, which then produce the antigen internally, effectively teaching  the immune system to recognise and fight the real pathogen if encountered later. Recombinant DNA technology is essential for creating these vaccines, as it enables scientists to design and produce the exact genetic sequences needed to encode specific antigens. This approach offers several advantages: it is faster to develop than conventional vaccines, highly stable without the need for cold storage, and capable of inducing strong cellular and humoral immune responses.