mRNA vaccines: The future of prevention of viral infections?

Abstract

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines against COVID-19 are the first authorized biological preparations developed using this platform. During the pandemic, their administration has been proven to be a life-saving intervention. Here, we review the main advantages of using mRNA vaccines, identify further technological challenges to be met during the development of the mRNA platform, and provide an update on the clinical progress on leading mRNA vaccine candidates against different viruses that include influenza viruses, human immunodeficiency virus 1, respiratory syncytial virus, Nipah virus, Zika virus, human cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus. The prospects and challenges of manufacturing mRNA vaccines in low-income countries are also discussed. The ongoing interest and research in mRNA technology are likely to overcome some existing challenges for this technology (e.g., related to storage conditions and immunogenicity of some components of lipid nanoparticles) and enhance the portfolio of vaccines against diseases for which classical formulations are already authorized. It may also open novel pathways of protection against infections and their consequences for which no safe and efficient immunization methods are currently available.

Overview of autoantibodies in COVID‐19 convalescents

“…For example, one study found the homology between the viral open reading frames 1a and 1b, and between the multi‐domain NSP3, and the human proteins: mono‐ADP‐ribosyltransferase, mono‐ADP‐ribosyl‐transferase, and ADP‐ribose glycohydrolase as well as between open reading frame 7b and the low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 2 30 . One should also note that if molecular mimicry between SARS‐CoV‐2's spike protein and host proteins was solely involved in the initiation of autoimmune processes, it would be frequently observed following the administration of COVID‐19 vaccines, all of which use spike protein as an antigen 31,32 . Contrary to this, autoimmune processes induced or triggered by the COVID‐19 vaccine are rare, short‐lived, responsive to symptomatic treatments, and have a good prognosis 33,34 .…”

“…30 One should also note that if molecular mimicry between SARS-CoV-2's spike protein and host proteins was solely involved in the initiation of autoimmune processes, it would be frequently observed following the administration of COVID-19 vaccines, all of which use spike protein as an antigen. 31,32 Contrary to this, autoimmune processes induced or triggered by the COVID-19 vaccine are rare, short-lived, responsive to symptomatic treatments, and have a good prognosis. 33,34 The other potential mechanism that could lead to autoimmunity due to SARS-CoV-2 infection is related to homobodies (also known as internal image set), a subset of anti-idiotypic antibodies, that in addition to being specific to the antigen-binding region of a host antibody that recognizes a viral protein, can also recognize the binding partner of this protein.…”

mRNA vaccines against respiratory viruses

“…Although mRNA vaccine development evolved over decades [1 ▪ ], the successes of mRNA vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus disease 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sparked a renaissance in mRNA vaccine development against multiple pathogens [2 ▪▪ ]. During the COVID-19 pandemic, mRNA vaccine platform advantages included rapid vaccine design and production [3 ▪ ], nimble adaptation to ever-changing SARS-CoV-2 variants [4–6], acceptable safety profiles [7,8], robust immunogenicity, and efficacy against severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and death [7–10].…”

Guillain-Barré syndrome and COVID-19 vaccines: focus on adenoviral vectors

“…Examining the mechanisms behind this phenomenon is pivotal in taking precautionary measures, adjusting recommendations, and managing vaccine hesitancy. Similarly to the need to understand whether an increased risk of peri- and myocarditis is associated solely with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines or mRNA technology in general ( 29 , 30 ), it is essential to elucidate the exact nature of the relationship between GBS and adenoviral vaccines. Such knowledge can be potentially beneficial in improving the technological platforms employing adenoviruses as gene delivery systems.…”