A PEG-lipid-free COVID-19 mRNA vaccine triggers robust immune responses in mice

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines represent a completely new category of vaccines and play a crucial role in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we have developed a PEG-lipid-free two-component mRNA vaccine (PFTCmvac) by formulating mRNA encoding the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 into lipid-like nanoassemblies. Without using polyethylene glycol (PEG)-lipids, the self-assembled PFTCmvac forms thermostable nanoassemblies and exhibits a dose-dependent cellular uptake and membrane disruption, eventually leading to high-level protein expression in both mammalian cells and mice. Vaccination with PFTCmvac elicits strong humoral and cellular responses in mice, without evidence of significant adverse reactions. In addition, the vaccine platform does not trigger complement activation in human serum, even at a high serum concentration. Collectively, the PEG-lipid-free two-component nanoassemblies provide an alternative delivery technology for COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and opportunities for the rapid production of new mRNA vaccines against emerging infectious diseases.