Practice Tests
IELTS Reading (AC) Task 1 #163

A. The development and rapid deployment of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines represent a landmark achievement in modern medicine, most notably demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike traditional vaccines, which use a weakened or inactivated form of a virus to trigger an immune response, mRNA vaccines use a novel approach. They work by providing our cells with a set of instructions, in the form of mRNA, to produce a harmless piece of a specific viral protein, known as an antigen.

B. The process begins with the synthesis of an mRNA molecule that codes for the target antigen—for example, the spike protein of the coronavirus. This fragile mRNA is encapsulated in a protective lipid nanoparticle, a tiny fatty bubble, which allows it to enter human cells without being degraded. Once inside the cell, the cellular machinery reads the mRNA and produces the viral protein. The immune system then recognises this protein as foreign, generating a robust response by producing antibodies and T-cells.

C. This technology offers several key advantages over traditional vaccine methods. Firstly, mRNA vaccines can be developed and manufactured much more quickly because they do not require the lengthy process of growing live viruses. This agility is crucial for responding rapidly to new or emerging infectious diseases. Secondly, the manufacturing process is highly adaptable; if a virus mutates, the mRNA sequence can be quickly updated to match the new variant.

D. The success of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 has opened up a new era in vaccinology and medicine. Researchers are now exploring the use of this technology to create vaccines for other infectious diseases, such as influenza and HIV. Furthermore, the ability to instruct cells to produce specific proteins has immense therapeutic potential for treating a wide range of conditions, including various cancers and rare genetic disorders, heralding a new frontier in personalised and programmable medicine.