How is Ellie Immune?
Ellie’s immunity stems from the Cordyceps fungus already present in her system since birth, which makes her body resistant to the infection caused by the same fungus, essentially disguising her as one of the infected to the Cordyceps. This unique condition is a result of her mother, Anna, being bitten by an infected individual before Ellie was born, passing on antibodies to Ellie that have protected her from the Cordyceps outbreak.
Understanding Ellie’s Immunity
Ellie’s immunity is a pivotal aspect of her character in The Last of Us, and several questions surround the specifics of how she acquired this immunity and its implications on her interactions within the infected world.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Ellie the only immune one?
Ellie’s immunity is attributed to the Cordyceps fungus that was present in her system from birth, making her body believe she is already infected, thereby rendering her immune to the effects of additional Cordyceps exposure.
2. Why is Ellie immune to zombie bites?
Ellie’s immunity to zombie bites is due to the Cordyceps already in her system, which makes any new Cordyceps entering her body think she is already infected.
3. Is Ellie immune because her mom was bitten while pregnant?
Yes, Ellie’s immunity is linked to her mother Anna being bitten before childbirth, passing on antibodies that protect Ellie from the Cordyceps infection.
4. Does Tommy find out Ellie is immune?
Yes, Tommy learns about Ellie’s immunity and initially agrees to take her to the Fireflies, but Ellie decides to stay with Joel instead.
5. How did Ellie not get infected?
Ellie didn’t get infected because the Cordyceps in her system acts as a chemical messenger, creating a barrier that prevents additional Cordyceps from infecting her.
6. Why does Ellie wear a mask if she’s immune?
Ellie wears a mask to keep her immunity a secret, as it’s not publicly known that she is immune to the Cordyceps.
7. How did Dina get pregnant if she was with Ellie?
Dina got pregnant from a previous relationship with Jesse, not with Ellie, resulting in her having a child named JJ.
8. Why is Joel not infected?
Joel may have avoided infection due to his dietary choices, particularly in the early stages of the outbreak, which might have reduced his exposure to the Cordyceps.
9. How did Ellie get pregnant?
Ellie did not get pregnant naturally; she was subjected to a procedure by Noelle in an attempt to impregnate her, but the details and success of this procedure are not fully explored.
10. Was there ever a cure in The Last of Us?
The potential for a cure in The Last of Us is uncertain, with Ellie’s immunity offering the best hope for creating a vaccine or cure, but the outcome is not guaranteed.
11. Why did the infected kiss Tess?
The infected kissed Tess as a method of transmission, where the evolved Cordyceps fungi could pass into her body through the open-mouthed kiss.
12. Why can Ellie breathe spores?
Ellie can breathe spores because her body is already accustomed to the Cordyceps, having been exposed to it since birth, which makes her resistant to the spores’ infectious effects.
13. How did Ellie know Tess is infected?
Ellie realized Tess was infected after noticing a bite mark on her shoulder from a runner she had fought off earlier.
14. How did Marlene know Ellie is immune?
Marlene knew Ellie’s mother, Anna, and was aware that she was infected while pregnant with Ellie, suggesting that Ellie might have developed immunity due to this exposure.
15. Is anyone else immune like Ellie?
As far as the characters in the game know, Ellie is the only one with this immunity, although it’s speculated that there could be others elsewhere in the world who might also be immune to the Cordyceps infection.