Future considerations for the mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccine platform

Curr Opin Virol. 2021 Jun:48:65-72. doi: 10.1016/j.coviro.2021.03.008. Epub 2021 Apr 24.

Abstract

Vaccines based on mRNA-containing lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) pioneered by Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman at the University of Pennsylvania are a promising new vaccine platform used by two of the leading vaccines against coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19). However, there are many questions regarding their mechanism of action in humans that remain unanswered. Here we consider the immunological features of LNP components and off-target effects of the mRNA, both of which could increase the risk of side effects. We suggest ways to mitigate these potential risks by harnessing dendritic cell (DC) biology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / prevention & control
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / immunology
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunization / methods*
  • Lipids* / administration & dosage
  • Lipids* / immunology
  • Nanoparticles* / administration & dosage
  • Nanoparticles* / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger* / administration & dosage
  • RNA, Messenger* / immunology
  • Vaccines / classification*

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Lipids
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Vaccines