In early 2020, the onset of a global pandemic put a stop to life as we knew it, an unprecedented crisis swept across continents, taking hundreds of lives in the blink of an eye, in the middle of such uncertainty, the world breathed a little when a possible solution was no longer a pipe dream.
The groundbreaking research of two such scientists, Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman, paved the way for an effective mRNA vaccine to be developed in a matter of months. Their work changed our basic understanding of how vaccines work, and expanded the scope of developing immunization.
Who Are They?
Kariko is a Hungarian born American immigrant biochemist specializing in RNA mediated mechanisms, more specifically, mRNA mediated protein replacement therapy. She came to the States in 1985 and performed groundbreaking clinical trials for double stranded RNA (dsRNA) mediated treatments for AIDS, hematologic diseases and chronic fatigue syndrome. She moved to Penn State University and started working on mRNA, realizing the great potential it had for being a pioneer in gene therapy. However, this phase of her scholarly pursuits faced potential truncation, as concerns arose regarding the adequacy of funding and support from both her colleagues and the institute. In the face of this uncertainty, she met Drew Weissman, a professor of immunology who had just arrived to UPenn. Together they propelled the technology forward using their expertise in immunology and biochemistry.
So what are mRNA vaccines?
Within our cellular framework, the genetic instructions housed in DNA undergo a transformation into messenger RNA (mRNA), serving as the blueprint for the synthesis of proteins. mRNA vaccines are a type of vaccine that use a small piece of genetic material called messenger RNA (mRNA) to instruct cells in the body to produce a protein that triggers an immune response. Unlike traditional vaccines that use weakened or inactivated forms of viruses or bacteria to stimulate an immune response, mRNA vaccines provide the body with the genetic code needed to produce a specific viral or bacterial protein.
How does it work?
mRNA vaccines encode genetic instructions for a viral or bacterial antigen, often a surface protein. Encased in lipid nanoparticles, the mRNA is delivered into cells, directing harmless antigen production. Displayed on cell surfaces, the antigen triggers an immune response, including antibody production and T cell activation. Crucially, the immune system retains a memory of the antigen, enabling rapid recognition and defense upon subsequent exposure to the virus or bacteria, preventing or mitigating infection.
How are they different from traditional vaccine?
mRNA vaccines and traditional vaccines have distinct mechanisms of action, influencing their development, production, and immune responses. mRNA vaccines deliver genetic instructions via mRNA, directing cells to produce harmless viral or bacterial proteins that trigger an immune response, encompassing both antibodies and cellular defenses. whereas, traditional vaccines contain inactivated or weakened pathogens or pathogen components, presenting non-infectious antigens to stimulate primarily antibody-based immune responses. mRNA vaccines can be developed faster, as they sidestep the time-consuming process of cultivating live pathogens. Their flexible nature enables swift adaptation to emerging pathogens by modifying genetic instructions. mRNA vaccines are produced using cell-free systems, minimizing the involvement of live pathogens, while traditional vaccines often require cultivating and processing live pathogens, posing logistical and safety challenges. Storage and stability differ, with mRNA vaccines generally requiring lower temperatures but having potentially shorter shelf lives. Ultimately, mRNA vaccines showcase a dynamic and expedited approach to vaccination, holding promise for rapid response to evolving infectious threats.
How is this one vaccine so revolutionary?
The development of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19, exemplified by the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, marked an unprecedented milestone in the field of vaccinology. Notably, these vaccines were created with extraordinary speed, a crucial attribute in the face of a global pandemic. Their adaptability to new variants and pathogens, demonstrated by swift adjustments to formulations, showcased the flexibility of the mRNA platform. Beyond their remarkable efficacy rates, the mRNA vaccines presented a safer profile by not containing live virus components, allaying concerns about causing the disease. Stimulating robust immune responses, these vaccines played a pivotal role in reducing severe illness and mortality on a global scale. Moreover, their success revolutionized vaccine technology, offering a blueprint for future advancements not only in infectious diseases but potentially in the realms of cancer and genetic disorders. In essence, the mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 represent a paradigm shift, combining speed, adaptability, and efficacy in a groundbreaking approach to vaccine development.
References:
Park, J.W., Lagniton, P.N.P., Liu, Y., Xu, R.H. (2021). mRNA vaccines for COVID-19: what, why and how. International Journal of Biological Sciences, 17(6), 1446-1460. https://doi.org/10.7150/ijbs.59233.
https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2023/10/press-medicineprize2023-3.pdf
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