Gwalior: Amidst the global coronavirus pandemic, a race is being fought from every corner of the world to find a vaccine. It is an immense effort involving the cooperation of various institutions, researchers, and countries in a collective move against the virus, which has infected more than 721,000 people worldwide. While the race to develop a vaccine that will make us immune to the virus continues, a major question arises is that when will coronavirus vaccine be ready?
A scientist Dr Himansha, hailing from the Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh, is a member of the joint team of scientists from Oxford and Cambridge, two of the biggest universities in the world.
The following are the excerpts from the interview with ETV Bharat:
Q: As we all know, Dr Himansha that you are involved in developing a vaccine for the newly discovered virus. Where are you currently and which team are you a part of ?
I am presently a BBSRC research fellow at the Cambridge university and I have completed my Ph.D. from the university itself. Yes, research is being conducted to find a vaccine that can contain the novel coronavirus. A team of researchers from Cambridge and Oxford University is involved in the process and I am a part of the team. Some 35 pharmaceutical companies and 700 institutions across the world are involved in developing some or the other kind of vaccine that will make us immune to the virus.
If I explain to you in layman's language, before the construction of the house a blueprint is prepared which helps in the completion of the structure and the same is the case with the cells. Like DNA present in our bodies determines our appearance similarly RNA material present in the virus tells us about its coating. Research across the globe revolves around the virus and scientists are learning what type of virus is this?, what type of RNA material is present in it? and what is its genetic sequence?
Our team is basically involved in bringing forward a medicine that will immune us from the deadly virus.
Q. What exactly is the Coronavirus ?
It is a spherical shaped virus, with tiny outgrowths coming out of it. The Latin word corona means 'crown' (mukut in hindi) which usually has thorns on the outer side and RNA in S shape on the inner side. Generally, it is found in animals, but in the past, seven of these types of viruses have been found that transmitted to humans from animals.
The virus is similar to cactus-like thorns. If the thorn sticks to our body it is difficult to get rid of it and similarly it is more than difficult to get rid of coronavirus. This virus sticks to cells of the lungs and affects the lungs and respiratory system. The danger prevails the most among old aged-people and those suffering from health problems like asthma, or other breathing-related problems or diabetes.
It has three stages- first, it goes into your lungs and sticks to the ACE2 receptors and with the help of our body cells it begins to multiply uncontrollably, secondly, the immune response (which is a reaction that occurs within an organism for the purpose of defending against foreign invaders) comes into action when it finds that a virus has entered our body. Given that coronavirus affects the respiratory system, so the people with a strong immune system may survive the virus. Lastly, if the immune system is weak the fight between the two (virus and immune system) - results in the occurrence of a cytokine storm in our lungs. Cytokine storm results in the accumulation of fluids and immune cells and eventually block off the airways.
Q. Is this virus a form of SARS and H1N1?
Corona family consists of a large number of viruses which are mostly found in animals. The COVID-19 is similar to the SARS virus, the 80-90% of the structural blueprint of both the viruses is similar. Therefore, it is also being referred to as SARS COVID 2. But it is way much more dangerous than SARS.
Q. What is the initial test that confirms the infection?
The first test that is conducted is RT-PCR, wherein a swab of body tissue is taken and loaded into the machine. The test determines that is your body infected with coronavirus or not. But the history of the virus cannot be generated via the aforementioned test. A technology is developed in Singapore to find the history of the virus by conducting Serological tests.
Q. How did the virus erupt all of a sudden?
The corona family of viruses is a very old one. It had spread in 1919, SARS surfaced in 2009, and as per observation and information, it strikes when we consume an animal or come in contact with it.
Q.The world is scared, everyone just wants to save their life. Countries like America, China, Italy, Japan are too facing difficulty in handling it, do you see a ray of hope for the world?
Our team making a vaccine against COVID- 19 to test in mice. The spiked protein of the coronavirus is added to an adenovirus-a harmless carrier- to make a vaccine that stimulates immune response to protect the body. It is decided that it will be injected into the body through injection.
Q- Any message for the people across the world battling the pandemic?
My only message to everyone is to keep washing your hands. Follow the guidelines put forward by your government to contain the spread of COVID- 19. And I request everyone to practice social distancing and don’t leave your homes. I hope everyone remains healthy and safe.
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