DNA/RNA

A relatively new type of vaccines, which has yet to make it to market. The  DNA vaccine involves using a plasmid encoding the antigen, instead of the antigen itself. This requires the antigens to be produced in situ, which has a number of potential advantages which includes T-cell and B-cell stimulation, improved vaccine stability, absence of infectious agent, and its easy to produce on a large scale. The proof of concept exists in that immune responses in animals have been found against the DNA of malarial parasites and mycoplasmas.(2)

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Another newly developed vaccine type are RNA vaccines. Similar to how DNA vaccines would work the RNA which is coded for an antigen is injected into the lymph nodes, where the RNA be used to build an antigen that can be presented to the immune system to create antibodies and memory. The injection of RNA will not effect the cell's natural DNA or disrupt the cell's natural processes. The only issue with using RNA to vaccinate is that it can degrade very quickly due to temperature changes.(3)

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¹Building Blocks of the Genetic Code. (2019, November 21). Retrieved May 1, 2020, from https://www.ashg.org/discover-genetics/building-blocks/ 

²DNA vaccines. (2011, October 12). Retrieved May 1, 2020, from https://www.who.int/biologicals/areas/vaccines/dna/en/

³Kalema, & Bishop, H. A. (2015, July 10). RNA vaccines: a novel technology to prevent and treat disease. Retrieved May 1, 2020, from http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2015/rna-vaccines-a-novel-technology-to-prevent-and-treat-disease/ 

⁴MacKenzie, R. J. (2018, January 25). DNA vs. RNA – 5 Key Differences and Comparison. Retrieved May 1, 2020, from https://www.technologynetworks.com/genomics/lists/what-are-the-key-differences-between-dna-and-rna-296719