Researchers re-engineer red blood cells to trigger immune system against COVID-19

“Physicists, chemists, and immunologists at McMaster University have teamed up to modify red blood cells to transport viral agents which can safely trigger the immune system to protect the body against SARS-CoV-2, creating a promising new vehicle for vaccine delivery.” – McMaster University. “Researchers re-engineer red blood cells to trigger immune system against COVID-19.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 11 March 2022. .

In this study researchers effectively engineer the structure of blood cells mimicking the survival strategy of COVID 19 to ensure that those blood cells are then acting against potential antigens. current vaccines while suitable to many types of viruses nevertheless introduce a short period where an individual is alright but also may induce a short immune response to this which may be a risk factor. in addition, there are means by which new types of treatments may be available such as the treatment of Alzheimer’s where specific metabolites are targeted by red blood cells that would otherwise not have been possible.

By mimicking the nature of COVID 19, Researchers have opened a new field where surface cellular biologists and physicists can for the first time address many conditions thought to be untreatable in a safe and risk-free manner. Collaboration and studying the natural world for inspiration of how we can advance the field of Biology has once again shown the importance of an interdependent and open-minded scientific community.

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