Virus Versus Vaccine

By John P. Daly, Levi S. Glaze, Benjamin Santy, Kai C. Lynn, Lacy M. Cleveland

Abstract

This narrative-based case study follows “Margaret,” a 71-year-old woman struggling with COVID-19 illness. Her story is used to guide students through core immunology concepts as they connect immune system physiology to real-world health decisions. Students identify symptoms of viral infection, compare innate and adaptive immune responses, analyze inflammatory mechanisms, interpret rapid antigen test results, trace T-cell maturation and activation, explain antibody production and immunological memory, and evaluate vaccine function and public health implications. Designed for undergraduate physiology, immunology, microbiology, virology, and pathophysiology courses, this adaptable resource promotes clinical reasoning, critical thinking, and evidence-based discussion surrounding vaccination and disease prevention.

Download Case

Date Posted

10/12/2026

Overview

Objectives

Contrast the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system.
Analyze the results of a COVID-19 rapid antigen test.
Discuss the public health risks associated with false-negative and false-positive test results.
Describe the physiological processes that lead to the classic signs of inflammation and promote healing.
Describe the process and purpose of positive and negative selection during T-cell maturation.
Outline and compare the processes of CD4⁺ T-cell, CD8⁺ T-cell, and B-cell activation.
Distinguish between passive natural, passive artificial, active natural, and active artificial immunity.
Analyze data related to COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness.

Keywords

Immune system; adaptive immunity; T-cell activation; T-cells; B-cells; COVID; rapid antigen test;

Subject Headings

Microbiology

Nursing

Physiology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Interrupted, Directed, Discussion

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

Case teaching notes are protected and access to them is limited to paid subscribed instructors. To become a paid subscriber, purchase a subscription here.

Teaching notes are intended to help teachers select and adopt a case. They typically include a summary of the case, teaching objectives, information about the intended audience, details about how the case may be taught, and a list of references and resources.

Download Notes

Answer Key

Answer Keys are protected and access to them is limited to paid subscribed instructors. To become a paid subscriber, purchase a subscription here.

Download Answer Key

Materials & Media

Supplemental Materials

The optional preparation assignment below reviews how T cells are activated during an immune response.

immune_system_sup.pdf (~1 MB)

Videos

Immune Response Explained: T-Cell Activation
This video describes how T cells are activated during an immune response, including antigen presentation and signaling between immune cells. Running time: 6:52 min. Produced by Demystifying Medicine McMaster, 2020.
T Cell Development and Maturation - T Cells Are COOL!
This video describes the development of T Cells maturation. Running time: 5:48 min. Produced by Interactive Biology, 2022.
How SARS-CoV2 Antigen Rapid Tests Work (Covid-19 Testing)
This video describes how an antigen-rapid test can be used to determine if an individual is infected with the SARS-CoV. Running time: 2:43 min. Produced by Henrik’s Lab, 2020.
MHC 1 vs. MHC 2, T-Cell Activation, T-cell Differentiation
This video explains the differences between MHC class I and MHC class II molecules and how they contribute to T-cell activation and differentiation. Running time: 13:45 min. Produced by Dirty Medicine, 2024.