Short description

Vector vaccines use modified viruses as carriers to deliver genetic information for an antigen into bodily cells, thereby triggering a protective immune response.

Detailed description

In vector vaccines, a modified virus serves as a vector for the genetic information of a selected antigen. After vaccination, the vector enters the body's cells, which use this information to temporarily produce the antigen. The immune system recognizes the antigen as foreign and develops a specific immune response, which may involve antibodies and T cells. Viral vectors such as adenoviruses or the Modified Vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) can be used. The vectors are selected or modified so that they are suitable for use as vaccines and cannot cause the disease against which the vaccine is intended.