Revisiting Immunology Textbooks: Considering Potential Insights Based on the Role of RNA-Guided Antiviral Defense

Abstract

Amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, this article proposes a cautious reassessment of conventional understandings surrounding the immune system's role in combating viral infections. Departing from the prevailing focus on antibodies and T cells, the manuscript introduces a hypothesis that underscores the potential significance of RNA-mediated antiviral defense mechanisms such as CRISPR-Cas and RNA interference. Through an examination of the vertebrate specialized immune system (SIS) and interferons, the article explores the concept of antibody-dependent enhancement of infection, positioning it as a subject necessitating further investigation rather than a definitive critique of vaccination strategies. Emphasizing the importance of RNA interference as an overlooked element of human antiviral defenses, the authors advocate for a broader and more exploratory discourse within the scientific community regarding the intricate nature of immune responses and vaccine efficacy.