Abstract

REDEFINING IMMUNIZATION: MR NA-BASED THERAPEUTICS BEYOND VACCINES – CURRENT ADVANCES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

S. V. Saveetha* and E. Hemamalini

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Abstract

To conduct a non-randomised, prospective study of mRNA technology, a cutting-edge technology that uses synthetic mRNA to guide cells to produce specific antigens, proteins or to trigger an immune system that can be used to treat diseases. It also channels the natural process where cells translate genetic information from their genetic material to produce proteins. The main components of this technology include mRNA, LNPs and a mature protein expression, which is highly acclaimed in its use in the production of vaccines. While mRNA technology gained global attention during COVID- 19 era but its potential extends beyond just vaccines; it is also used in cancer immunotherapy, where the mRNA sequences encode tumour-specific neoantigens to increase the immune system against cancer cells, Protein Replacement theory is also a great brainchild of mRNA technology where it can encode functional proteins to compensate for missing or defective ones caused due to genetic mutations. Despite its promise, mRNA technology faces several scientific, technical and regulatory hurdles. The main challenge which are faced is Stability and storage, where mRNA is inherently unstable and can degrade rapidly, the need is to develop thermostable mRNA formulations. The context and promise of this aspiring technology is explained in this review as further.

Keywords: mRNA therapeutics, gene therapy, personalized medicine, cancer immunotherapy, rare diseases