Which of the following is true regarding the use of mRNA in vaccine technology?

The statement that mRNA is the genetic blueprint for producing viral proteins that elicit an immune response is true and accurately describes how mRNA vaccines function. In mRNA vaccines, synthetic messenger RNA is introduced into the body. This mRNA serves as a template that instructs cells to produce a specific viral protein—most commonly the spike protein found in viruses like SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.

Once the protein is produced, it triggers the immune system to recognize it as foreign, prompting the production of antibodies and the training of immune cells to respond more effectively to actual infection. This process is crucial in establishing immunity without exposing the individual to the actual virus.

The other options relate to mRNA vaccine properties inaccurately. For example, mRNA is not extremely stable in a host's body; it is relatively transient as the body breaks it down quickly after the protein is produced. Additionally, mRNA vaccines do not replicate in the same manner as live attenuated vaccines; instead, they rely on cells to use the mRNA to translate the protein directly. Lastly, unlike some other technologies, mRNA from vaccines does not alter the host's DNA—it remains in the cytoplasm, where it is utilized for protein synthesis before being