Current state of, prospects for, and obstacles to mRNA vaccine development

Drug Discov Today. 2023 Feb;28(2):103458. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103458. Epub 2022 Nov 24.

Abstract

Given their superior efficacy, rapid engineering, low-cost manufacturing, and safe delivery prospects, mRNA vaccines offer an intriguing alternative to conventional vaccination technologies. Several mRNA vaccine platforms targeting infectious diseases and various types of cancer have exhibited beneficial results both in vivo and in vitro. Issues related to mRNA stability and immunogenicity have been addressed. Current mRNA vaccines can generate robust immune responses, without being constrained by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) haplotype of the recipient. Given that mRNA vaccinations are the only transient genetic information carriers, they are also safe. In this review, we provide an update and overview on mRNA vaccines, including their current state, and the problems that have prevented them from being used in more general therapeutic ways.

Keywords: Formulations; Vaccines; mRNA; mRNA design; nanomaterials.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Vaccine Development
  • Vaccines, Synthetic*
  • mRNA Vaccines*

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • Vaccines, Synthetic
  • mRNA Vaccines