Journal of Vaccine Research 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 269-277 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/jvr 269 Review and Progress Open Access Advancements in mRNA Vaccine Formulations: From COVID-19 to Broader Applications Xiaojie Zhang Beijing Tiantan Biological Products Co., Ltd., Chaoyang, 100024, Beijing, China Corresponding email: xiaojie.zh@qq.com Journal of Vaccine Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.5 doi: 10.5376/jvr.2024.14.0025 Received: 27 Aug., 2024 Accepted: 09 Oct, 2024 Published: 29 Oct., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhang X.J., 2024, Advancements in mRNA vaccine formulations: from COVID-19 to broader applications, Journal of Vaccine Research, 14(5): 269-277 (doi: 10.5376/jvr.2024.14.0025) Abstract The rapid development of mRNA vaccine technology during the COVID-19 pandemic has revolutionized the field of immunization. This study explores key advancements in mRNA vaccine formulations, focusing on their mechanisms of action, delivery systems, and improvements in stability and efficacy. The success of mRNA vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna highlights the potential of this platform in addressing various infectious diseases. Beyond COVID-19, mRNA vaccines are also being researched for applications in cancer immunotherapy, autoimmune diseases, and other chronic conditions. Recent innovations, such as lipid nanoparticle (LNP) optimization, thermostable formulations, and immune modulators, are crucial for expanding the use of mRNA vaccines in global health. The report also discusses regulatory and ethical considerations, including accelerated approval processes and challenges in global vaccine access. As mRNA vaccine technology continues to evolve, its role in personalized medicine and global health will grow, offering new opportunities to combat emerging infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases. Keywords mRNA vaccines; Lipid nanoparticles; COVID-19; Cancer immunotherapy; Global health 1 Introduction Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine technology has revolutionized immunization strategies by offering a flexible and rapid approach to vaccine development. Unlike traditional vaccines that rely on viral components, mRNA vaccines instruct the body's cells to produce antigenic proteins that elicit an immune response. This platform provides several advantages, such as shorter development timelines and the ability to modify formulations for various diseases, thus making it a key player in modern vaccine science (Pardi et al., 2018). The success of mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic marked a major breakthrough in public health. Vaccines like those from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna were developed and distributed at unprecedented speed, playing a critical role in curbing the pandemic's spread. These vaccines showed high efficacy in preventing severe illness and hospitalizations, proving the effectiveness of mRNA technology in a real-world setting (Krammer, 2020). This research explores advancements in mRNA vaccine formulations that go beyond COVID-19, focusing on how improvements in stability, delivery, and immune response can broaden the application of this technology. The potential to adapt mRNA platforms for diseases like cancer and other infectious diseases represents an exciting new frontier in vaccine science. 2 mRNA Vaccine Platform: Mechanisms and Advantages 2.1 Mechanism of action The mechanism of action of mRNA vaccines is based on the delivery of a messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence that encodes for a specific antigenic protein. Upon administration, typically via intramuscular injection, the mRNA enters cells where it is translated into the target protein by the ribosomes. This protein is then either presented on the cell surface or secreted into the extracellular environment. Once the immune system recognizes this protein as a foreign antigen, it mounts an immune response, producing both antibodies and activating T cells. These immune cells are primed to recognize and eliminate the actual pathogen if it is encountered in the future. This mechanism
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNQ==