Effective vaccines have been developed against a number of deadly diseases, including viral diseases such as measles, mumps, polio, and smallpox, as well as several bacterial infections. However, there remain several important infectious diseases for which vaccines are currently lacking. One important aspect of developing effective vaccines against these pathogens is:
A) The discovery of an attenuated form of the pathogenic organism
B) The purification of surface components of the pathogen
C) A clear understanding of the immune mechanisms required to eliminate the infection
D) The purification of toxins made by the pathogen
E) The development of more effective adjuvants to include in the vaccine

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A clear understanding of the immune mechanisms required to eliminate the infection is essential for developing effective vaccines against pathogens. This understanding can help in identifying the relevant antigens that should be included in the vaccine, the appropriate adjuvants to enhance the immune response, and the best route of administration for the vaccine. Understanding the immune response also helps in developing strategies for boosting immunity, such as booster shots or combination vaccines. Attenuated forms or toxins may be potential targets for vaccines, but a clear understanding of the immune response is still necessary for their development. Purification of surface components can also aid in the identification of relevant antigens for vaccine development, but it is not the only key factor. Adjuvant development can also play a role in improving vaccine effectiveness but not as essential as understanding the immune mechanisms.

Effective Vaccines Have Been Developed Against a Number of Deadly