Could they have made a vaccine from Ellie?
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The possibility of creating a vaccine from Ellie’s immunity is a topic of great interest, and the answer is that it is low but not zero, as Dr. Casadevall and Dr. Levitz suggest, due to the complexity of developing a cure for the Cordyceps infection. However, even if the Fireflies obtained the proper staff and equipment, the chances that the vaccine would work on the first try are incredibly slim, making it a highly challenging and uncertain endeavor.
Understanding Ellie’s Immunity
To delve deeper into the question of whether a vaccine could have been made from Ellie, it’s essential to understand the nature of her immunity. Ellie’s immunity to the Cordyceps infection is a unique aspect of her character, and it has been a subject of curiosity and speculation among fans of The Last of Us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are 15 FAQs that provide additional insights and information about Ellie’s immunity and the possibility of creating a vaccine:
- What is the source of Ellie’s immunity? Ellie’s immunity comes from the fact that she was born with Cordyceps in her system, which her mother, Anna, transferred to her during childbirth.
- Can Ellie’s blood heal others? No, Ellie’s blood is not a cure, as evidenced by the fact that Sam still turned after Ellie tried to save him by spreading her blood over his wound.
- Why can’t they make a vaccine in The Last of Us? The main hurdle is understanding the Cordyceps fungi causing the zombie-like infection, which is a complex and challenging task.
- Is Ellie the only one immune? As far as viewers and characters are aware, Ellie is indeed the only person who has managed to live a normal life with Cordyceps in her brain.
- Can Ellie spread the virus? No, Ellie almost certainly cannot infect others, as shown in The Last of Us Part II.
- Would the cure work if Ellie died? Going by actual science, the chances of success are a flat out zero, as vaccines don’t work on fungi.
- Was Ellie’s cure guaranteed? No, the cure was not guaranteed, and Ellie’s death would have been for nothing if the Fireflies had succeeded in their plan.
- Why did Joel prevent the cure? Joel lied about the cure to protect Ellie, as he discovered that the surgery required removing parts of her brain.
- Can Ellie be bitten again? Yes, Ellie can be bitten again, but her immunity would still protect her from the Cordyceps infection.
- Can Ellie infect Dina? No, Ellie cannot infect others, even though the Cordyceps fungus is still inside her.
- Can Ellie breathe spores? Yes, Ellie has exhibited the ability to breathe spores without difficulty, which is a unique aspect of her immunity.
- Could they have done the surgery without killing Ellie? Possibly, as the doctors could have used some of Ellie’s blood and stem cells to create the cure.
- What would happen if Joel didn’t save Ellie? Ellie would certainly have died for nothing, and the possibility of creating a vaccine would have been lost.
- Did Ellie know Joel lied? Deep down, Ellie clearly knows that Joel lied, but she chooses to believe him to protect herself from further harm.
- Are there any immune people like Ellie? As far as viewers and characters are aware, there are no other immune survivors in the world of The Last of Us, making Ellie’s immunity a unique and valuable asset.