Explainer: How Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose COVID vaccine works

The video explains the use of adenovirus 26 as a vector in vaccines, specifically focusing on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. It details how the spike protein of the coronavirus is used to trigger an immune response without causing disease. The vaccine introduces genetic material into the body, prompting cells to produce spike proteins, which are harmless but stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies and memory cells. This prepares the body to recognize and fight the actual SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19.

What is the role of adenovirus 26 in the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?

• It alters the human genome.

• It directly attacks the coronavirus.

• It acts as a vector to deliver genetic material.

• It is used to replicate the virus inside the body.

How does the coronavirus use its spike protein?

• To replicate inside the human body.

• To produce antibodies directly.

• To bind to receptors and penetrate cell membranes.

• To alter the human genome.

What is the purpose of the weakened virus in the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?

• To directly produce antibodies.

• To deliver the spike protein gene without causing disease.

• To edit the human DNA.

• To replicate the coronavirus.

What happens once the vector delivers its genetic payload to a cell?

• The cell produces spike proteins, triggering an immune response.

• The cell's DNA is altered.

• The cell becomes immune to all viruses.

• The cell starts producing the coronavirus.

What is the ultimate goal of the immune response triggered by the vaccine?

• To produce antibodies and memory cells that recognize SARS-CoV-2.

• To replicate the virus inside the body.

• To alter the human genome.

• To prevent all types of viral infections.