antibiotic formulations; killing bacteria that assist viruses in infecting animal cells
E
harmless derivatives of pathogenic viruses; stimulating the immune system to mount a defense against the actual pathogen
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that vaccines are biological preparations that provide immunity to a particular infectious disease.
Recognize that vaccines for viral diseases are typically made from harmless derivatives of the virus, such as inactivated or attenuated forms, which means they are not capable of causing the disease.
Identify that the primary function of these vaccines is to stimulate the immune system to recognize and fight the actual pathogen if it is encountered in the future.
Note that vaccines work by introducing antigens from the virus into the body, prompting the immune system to produce antibodies and memory cells specific to that virus.
Conclude that the correct answer is 'harmless derivatives of pathogenic viruses; stimulating the immune system to mount a defense against the actual pathogen,' as this describes the mechanism by which vaccines prevent viral infections.