The mRNA vaccine, a swift warhead against a moving infectious disease target

ABSTRACT

Introduction

The rapid development of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 has revolutionized vaccinology, offering hope for swift responses to emerging infectious diseases. Initially met with skepticism, mRNA vaccines have proven effective and safe, reducing vaccine hesitancy amid the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that the time required to modify mRNA vaccines to counter new mutant strains is significantly shorter than the time it takes for pathogens to mutate and generate new variants that can thrive in vaccinated populations. This highlights the notion that mRNA vaccine technology appears to be outpacing viruses in the ongoing evolutionary race.

Areas covered

This review article offers valuable insights into several crucial aspects of mRNA vaccine development and deployment, including the fundamentals of mRNA vaccine design and synthesis, the utilization of delivery systems, considerations regarding vaccine safety, the longevity of the immune response, strategies for modifying the original mRNA vaccine to address emerging mutant strains, as well as addressing vaccine hesitancy and potential approaches to mitigate reluctance.

Expert opinion

Challenges such as stability, storage, manufacturing complexities, production capacity, allergic reactions, long-term effects, accessibility, and misinformation must be addressed. Despite these hurdles, mRNA vaccine technology holds promise for revolutionizing future vaccination strategies.

KEYWORDS:

• SARS-CoV-2
• COVID19
• mRNA vaccine
• virology
• vaccine hesitancy
• in vitro mRNA synthesis

Article highlights

• The meticulous design and synthesis of mRNA that encodes the desired target antigen are pivotal elements in the development of mRNA vaccines.

• The selection of the right lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation is crucial for the safe and precise delivery of mRNA vaccines to the intended target cells.

• The safety of mRNA vaccine together with the duration and memory of immune response determines the level of protection offered to the immunized host.

• The adaptability of mRNA vaccines for swift modification in response to the emergence of mutant strains of infectious pathogens is a key advantage of mRNA vaccine technology.

• Implementing effective countermeasures to address vaccine hesitancy is crucial in any vaccine distribution program.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Author contribution

Both the authors contributed equally to the conception and design of the review article and interpreting the relevant literature, and have been involved in writing the original review article and its revised version.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.