Why is Ellie Immune to the Disease?

Ellie is immune to the Cordyceps disease because she was exposed to it in the womb, when her mother Anna was bitten by an Infected while giving birth to her, and the Cordyceps present in Anna’s system were transferred to Ellie through the umbilical cord. This unique exposure to the Cordyceps fungus at birth is the key to Ellie’s immunity, as it allowed her body to develop a natural defense against the infection, making her the only known immune person in the post-apocalyptic world of The Last of Us.

Understanding Ellie’s Immunity

Ellie’s immunity to the Cordyceps disease is a result of her mother’s bite wound and the subsequent transfer of the Cordyceps fungus to Ellie through the umbilical cord. This exposure allowed Ellie’s body to develop a unique relationship with the Cordyceps, making her immune to its effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. What is the source of Ellie’s immunity?: Ellie’s immunity comes from being exposed to the Cordyceps fungus in the womb, when her mother Anna was bitten by an Infected while giving birth to her.
2. Can Ellie infect others?: No, Ellie cannot infect others with the Cordyceps disease, as she is immune to its effects and her body does not produce the infectious spores.
3. Why didn’t Ellie’s blood save Sam?: Ellie’s blood is not a cure for the Cordyceps disease, and it did not work to save Sam when he was bitten.

The Science Behind the Immunity

4. How does the Cordyceps fungus work?: The Cordyceps fungus infects humans through bites or spores, taking control of the host’s body and eventually turning them into Infected.
5. What happens when Ellie is bitten?: When Ellie is bitten, the Cordyceps fungus enters her system, but her body recognizes it as a familiar entity and does not respond with an immune response, making her immune to its effects.
6. Can Ellie be bitten again?: Yes, Ellie can be bitten again, but her body will still recognize the Cordyceps fungus and prevent it from taking control, making her immune to its effects.

The Story Behind Ellie’s Immunity

7. How did Anna get bitten?: Anna was bitten by an Infected while giving birth to Ellie, and the Cordyceps fungus was transferred to Ellie through the umbilical cord.
8. Why did Joel prevent the cure?: Joel prevented the cure because he discovered that the surgery to harvest Ellie’s immune cells would require removing parts of her brain, and he chose to protect her instead.
9. Were there other immune people like Ellie?: There are no other known immune people like Ellie in the post-apocalyptic world of The Last of Us.

The Implications of Ellie’s Immunity

10. Can Ellie’s blood be used to create a cure?: Ellie’s blood is not a cure for the Cordyceps disease, and it is unclear whether her immune cells can be used to create a vaccine.
11. Why didn’t the Fireflies use Ellie’s immunity to create a cure?: The Fireflies did not use Ellie’s immunity to create a cure because Joel prevented the surgery to harvest her immune cells.
12. What does Ellie’s immunity mean for the future of humanity?: Ellie’s immunity offers a glimmer of hope for the future of humanity, as it may hold the key to creating a cure or vaccine for the Cordyceps disease.

Additional Questions

13. How did Joel survive being bitten?: Joel survived being bitten because Ellie cleaned and treated his wound, and he did not receive a fatal dose of the Cordyceps fungus.
14. Can Ellie heal with her blood?: No, Ellie’s blood is not a cure for the Cordyceps disease, and it cannot be used to heal others.
15. Was Ellie’s mom infected when she was pregnant?: Yes, Ellie’s mom Anna was bitten by an Infected while giving birth to Ellie, and the Cordyceps fungus was transferred to Ellie through the umbilical cord.