With reference to recent developments regarding ‘Recombinant Vector Vaccines’, consider the following statements:

1. Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines.
2. Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is Both 1 and 2.

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Recombinant vector vaccines are produced through genetic engineering technology. In this process, genetic material (DNA or RNA) encoding a specific antigen from a pathogen (such as a virus or bacterium) is inserted into the genome of a harmless vector. The modified vector then expresses the antigen to stimulate an immune response in the host body.

Statement 2 is correct: Both viruses and bacteria can be used as vectors in recombinant vector vaccines. Viral vectors (such as adenovirus, modified vaccinia Ankara, or vesicular stomatitis virus) and bacterial vectors (such as attenuated strains of Salmonella or Listeria) are engineered to deliver foreign genes into cells, making them effective delivery vehicles for vaccine antigens.

Therefore, both statements 1 and 2 are correct.