A Perfect Fit: 3D-Printed Kit to Teach Students Principles of Antigen-Antibody Recognition and Herd Immunity

Abstract

Abstract The immunological principles underlying vaccines are a critical part of understanding human health and disease, but are typically not included in general K-12 education curriculum. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored both the power of science and the importance of science literacy for our country. Though multifactorial, vaccine hesitancy is associated with patients’ lack of information surrounding vaccine biology. Recognizing this gap, we aimed to develop innovative learning activities that would distill the complex concepts of adaptive immunity and herd immunity to make them accessible to middle and high school students. Herein, we present one such learning activity intended to help students visualize the structural features of an antibody and the specificity of antibody-antigen interactions. Each student is provided with a base 3D-printed antibody, along with three sets of exchangeable variable domains and three model pathogens. Students explore the ability of their antibody combinations to recognize different pathogens, learning the structure and specificity of the antibody and the role they play in fighting pathogens. The set of kits for a classroom are distinct, with kits sharing some, but not all, variable regions. This feature allows for modeling of herd immunity and how different infections spread through a community depending on vaccination rates. This tangible model therefore can convey to students how vaccines elicit protection against pathogens at both an individual and population level. Inclusion of this learning activity during STEM outreach events or integration into classroom curriculum provides an opportunity for early educational intervention that would promote vaccine literacy in our communities.