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mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases: principles, delivery and clinical translation
Namit Chaudhary1, Drew Weissman2, Kathryn A Whitehead3,4
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Abstract:
Over the past several decades, messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have progressed from a scepticism-inducing idea to clinical reality. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic catalysed the most rapid vaccine development in history, with mRNA vaccines at the forefront of those efforts. Although it is now clear that mRNA vaccines can rapidly and safely protect patients from infectious disease, additional research is required to optimize mRNA design, intracellular delivery and applications beyond SARS-CoV-2 prophylaxis. In this Review, we describe the technologies that underlie mRNA vaccines, with an emphasis on lipid nanoparticles and other non-viral delivery vehicles. We also overview the pipeline of mRNA vaccines against various infectious disease pathogens and discuss key questions for the future application of this breakthrough vaccine platform.
Insights
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines offer rapid, safe protection against infectious diseases. Further research will optimize mRNA vaccine design, delivery, and applications for future health challenges.
Area of Science:
- Vaccinology
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have evolved significantly over decades, moving from theoretical concepts to clinical applications.
- The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the development and validation of mRNA vaccine technology.
- Current mRNA vaccines demonstrate rapid and safe protection against infectious diseases like COVID-19.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the underlying technologies of mRNA vaccines, focusing on delivery systems.
- To provide an overview of the current pipeline of mRNA vaccines for various infectious diseases.
- To discuss future research directions and applications for mRNA vaccine platforms.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and technological advancements in mRNA vaccine development.
- Emphasis on lipid nanoparticles and other non-viral delivery vehicles for mRNA.
- Analysis of the current landscape and future potential of mRNA vaccine candidates.
Main Results:
- mRNA vaccines have proven effective and safe for preventing infectious diseases.
- Lipid nanoparticles are a key technology for effective mRNA delivery.
- A diverse pipeline of mRNA vaccines is under development for numerous pathogens.
Conclusions:
- mRNA vaccines represent a breakthrough platform for infectious disease prevention.
- Optimization of mRNA design and delivery systems is crucial for broader applications.
- Continued research is essential to unlock the full potential of mRNA technology beyond SARS-CoV-2.
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