mRNA vaccines: a new opportunity for malaria, tuberculosis and HIV

Abstract

The success of the first licensed mRNA-based vaccines against COVID-19 has created a widespread interest on mRNA technology for vaccinology. As expected, the number of mRNA vaccines in preclinical and clinical development increased exponentially since 2020, including numerous improvements in mRNA formulation design, delivery methods and manufacturing processes. However, the technology faces challenges such as the cost of raw materials, the lack of standardization, and delivery optimization. MRNA technology may provide a solution to some of the emerging infectious diseases as well as the deadliest hard-to-treat infectious diseases malaria, tuberculosis, and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), for which an effective vaccine, easily deployable to endemic areas is urgently needed. In this review, we discuss the functional structure, design, manufacturing processes and delivery methods of mRNA vaccines. We provide an up-to-date overview of the preclinical and clinical development of mRNA vaccines against infectious diseases, and discuss the immunogenicity, efficacy and correlates of protection of mRNA vaccines, with particular focus on research and development of mRNA vaccines against malaria, tuberculosis and HIV.

Aedes albopictus arrives in Lisbon: an emerging public health threat

“…Addressing these public health challenges particularly by improving surveillance, establishing efficient control measures, and preparedness for the development of new vaccines against known pathogens in immunological naïve populations, particularly against Zika and chikungunya due to the absence of licensed vaccines. The recent success of mRNA vaccines created a wide interest for the rapid development of vaccines against virtually every infectious disease, and Zika and chikungunya mRNA vaccine candidates are currently in Phase I clinical trials ( 15 ).…”

Regulations of malaria in children with human immunodeficiency virus infection: A review

“…This is due to the fact that vaccination is unquestionably one of the biggest medical advancements, saving millions of lives from infectious diseases every year, and mRNA-based vaccines have demonstrated their efficacy during the COVID-19 pandemic. [23] The mRNA-LNP vaccines targeting P falciparum glutamic acid-rich protein (PfGARP), mosquito saliva protein AgTRIO, and Cell-Traversal Protein for Ookinetes and Sporozoites (CelTOS), PfCSP, and Pfs25 protein constituents that enhance ookinetes and oocyst formation have proven to demonstrate effectiveness against malaria parasites through various mechanisms, such as inhibition of the life cycle of the parasite in both mosquito and human host. Thus preventing replication and transmission of the infection.…”

“…Thus preventing replication and transmission of the infection. [23,24] As such, the government and research institutes must be willing to provide funding in support of research around this novel target that will enhance the development of a vaccine that will confer immunity against malaria infection and encourage those living with HIV to live without fear of suffering from co-infection in malaria-endemic regions.…”

Building a Better Silver Bullet: Current Status and Perspectives of Non‐Viral Vectors for mRNA Vaccines

“…In the same year, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) launched a phase I clinical trial evaluating three mRNA vaccines (BG505 MD39.3 mRNA, BG505 MD39.3 gp151 mRNA, and BG505 MD39.3 gp151 CD4KO mRNA) against HIV. [ 167 ] Each vaccine encodes different but related spike proteins found on the surface of HIV that facilitate entry into human cells.…”