Question

What is a recombinant DNA vaccine? Give two examples.

Answer 1

Recombinant DNA vaccine:

• In recombinant DNA vaccines, the antigens are not directly injected into the body.
• Instead the rDNA containing the gene for coding the antigen in a vector is incorporated into the body.
• The gene produces antigens inside the body and the immune responses are elicited for that antigen.
• Then the memory of the antigen is retained by the immune system.
• Pictorial representation of rDNA vaccine:

• Then the memory of the antigen is retained by the immune system

Examples of recombinant DNA vaccine :

(i) Hepatitis-B vaccine produced from yeast.
​​​​​​​ (ii) Bird flu DNA vaccine.