Genetic Vaccines

DNA vaccines are under discussion, with potential both scientifically and ethically, as they introduce foreign genetic material and pose risks despite their potential benefits. Here's a summary based on Reddit comments:

DNA vaccines

• Advantages:
  • Can be specific to pathogens with distinct protein immunogens.
  • Hold potential for stimulating lasting immune responses.
• Disadvantages:
  • Limited to pathogens with specific protein immunogens.
  • Slight risk of disrupting normal cellular processes.
  • Chance of immune response against the DNA itself.
  • Risk of developing resistance or tolerance towards the introduced protein.

Alzheimer's Disease & DNA Research

• A DNA vaccine might target Alzheimer's and similar conditions by bypassing the blood-brain barrier and utilizing the immune system to clear protein deposits.
• Pros:
  • Potential to overcome challenges in treating neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Provides hope for addressing conditions like lewy body dementia.
• Cons:
  • Doesn't address microvascular and metabolic components of Alzheimer's.
  • Previous solutions faced challenges in blood-brain barrier penetration.

Reddit User Thoughts

• A mixture of anticipation and skepticism around the effectiveness and ethical implications of genetic vaccines like DNA vaccines.
• Concerns raised over the possible implications of genetic material manipulation on patients and the uncertainty surrounding the outcomes.
• Mixed feelings about the potential of vaccines like DNA vaccines in addressing diseases like Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative conditions.

Summary

Reddit discussions cover the benefits, risks, and ethical concerns surrounding DNA vaccines in treating diseases like Alzheimer's. While there's hope for overcoming challenges in neurodegenerative diseases, such vaccines pose potential risks like immune responses against DNA and resistance to introduced proteins. Further research and monitoring are necessary to gauge the full impact and effectiveness of genetic vaccines.