Tag Archives: mRNA

Breakthrough mRNA Vaccine Shows Promise in Protecting Against Multiple Ebola Viruses

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Health officials combating the Bundibugyo virus in the DRC on May 21

Health officials combating the Bundibugyo virus in the DRC on May 21

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A groundbreaking mRNA vaccine has been developed that promises long-term protection against lethal viruses in the Ebola family, including the Bundibugyo strain currently present in two African nations.

Over 600 individuals are suspected to be infected with the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with two confirmed cases in Uganda. The World Health Organization has classified this outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern.

Bundibugyo virus is part of the ortho-Ebolavirus family, which includes the notorious Zaire and Sudan viruses, all known for causing severe health issues in humans.

While Bundibugyo outbreaks are less common than those of the Zaire strain, which infected over 28,000 people from 2014 to 2016, vaccines for Bundibugyo and Sudanese viruses have yet to be developed, despite the Zaire vaccine being approved.

Recently, Yao Yanfeng and his team at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China reported the successful development of a vaccine that provides protection against all three viruses in animal models.

“The creation of a broad-spectrum vaccine could significantly mitigate outbreaks from multiple ortho-Ebola viruses,” they stated in their recent publication.

The challenge lies in the fact that each Ebola virus has distinct glycoproteins important for infection; however, they all share a common nucleoprotein that encapsulates the virus’s genetic material.

To formulate the new vaccine, Yao and his colleagues combined mRNA coding for each virus’s glycoprotein along with the shared nucleoprotein into a single lipid nanoparticle. These lipid nanoparticles protect the mRNA vaccines until they reach the targeted cells in the body.

After inoculating the mice with the vaccine, the researchers monitored their immune responses and subsequently exposed them to all three viruses. All immunized mice were fully protected against the Zaire and Sudan viruses and showed robust protection against Bundibugyo. Even hamsters infected with the Sudan virus were completely shielded by the vaccine.

The findings indicate the development of a broad-spectrum mRNA vaccine that effectively protects against the Zaire, Sudan, and Bundibugyo viruses. However, researchers emphasize that further trials are essential to confirm its safety and efficacy in humans.

Robert Cross, a professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch, expressed enthusiasm for the innovative direction of medicine, stating, “Ebola vaccines are under research.”

He cautioned that trials in non-human primates are the gold standard for predicting human efficacy, and gaining regulatory approval for vaccines targeting multiple pathogens is a challenging endeavor.

“Securing approval for a vaccine targeting a single virus is notoriously difficult, and the pathway for a multivalent vaccine is even more complex,” Cross noted.

Adrian Esterman, from the University of Adelaide, remarked that while this preclinical study is promising, its applicability is limited to rodents.

“It’s too early to set a firm timeline for clinical application. Progressing from this stage to human trials typically requires several years, as additional animal studies, including trials with primates, are necessary. Manufacturing processes and safety testing also need to be established,” he commented.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Potential mRNA Vaccine Poised for Release as Bird Flu Pandemic Threatens

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Innovative Vaccines in Development to Combat Potential Bird Flu Pandemic

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The emergence of COVID-19 highlighted the urgency of rapid vaccine development, taking approximately one year to roll out the first SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Tragically, this was after millions of deaths and economic turmoil. However, if a bird flu pandemic strikes, we can respond significantly faster, thanks to pre-approved mRNA vaccines that are ready for immediate deployment. Phase III trials are actively being conducted in the UK and US.

“An influenza pandemic is highly likely in the future. It’s crucial we are adequately prepared,” states Richard Pebody from the UK Health and Safety Executive.

The primary threat is the H5N1 avian influenza strain, notably clade 2.3.4.4b. Emerging roughly a decade ago, this strain has sprawled among wild bird populations globally, even reaching Antarctica. It has also been reported in numerous wild mammals and poultry farms. Alarmingly, the infection is widespread among dairy cows in the United States.

Since 2024, over 100 cases of human infection have been documented; however, there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission. The risk continues as long as H5N1 avian influenza remains active.

“While we cannot predict the timing or severity of the next pandemic, proactive preparedness is essential as influenza viruses continue to circulate in animal populations and may adapt,” warns Hiwot Hirui from Moderna.

Moderna’s mRNA-1018 vaccine targeting H5N1 has completed Phase I and II trials with no safety concerns reported. Current Phase III trials involve 3,000 volunteers in the UK and 1,000 in the US.

Typically, vaccine trials assess effectiveness; however, due to the limited prevalence of H5N1 in humans, the focus will be on measuring immune responses in participants. Early results indicate a robust immune response, as noted by Hirui.

The trial prioritizes individuals aged 65 and older, along with poultry workers, who face higher risks of avian influenza exposure.

Some countries are stockpiling traditional vaccines against H5N1; for instance, The UK has secured 5 million doses. However, this conventional vaccine, similar to many seasonal influenza vaccines, is produced using chicken eggs, making it challenging to scale up production or adapt quickly if the virus evolves significantly.

In contrast, mRNA vaccine production can be rapidly scaled and easily modified. This adaptability presents a considerable advantage in pandemic preparedness, as outlined by Pebody.

The trial is Funded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), which has the support of over 30 countries and various organizations, particularly following the reduction in mRNA vaccine funding by the US government.

Countries like England and the US are exploring the rollout of H5N1 vaccines for livestock, especially poultry. This methodology has been employed in various nations for years, with studies in France showing that vaccinating ducks significantly decreased H5N1 infections on farms.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

U.S. mRNA Cancer Vaccines: Projected Costs Exceed $75 Billion

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Significant Economic Benefits of mRNA Cancer Vaccines Currently Under Development

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In August 2025, the United States announced a $500 million cut in funding for vaccine development, jeopardizing the potential advantages of mRNA cancer vaccine research. According to Alison Galvani from Yale University and colleagues, this reduction poses significant risks to future developments.

The team’s analysis indicates that the treatment advancements observed in current clinical trials could prevent nearly 50,000 deaths, translating to an economic value of $75 billion. “This estimate is based on just one annual cohort of patients for each cancer type,” stated the researchers.

Experts caution that diminishing federal investment in mRNA vaccine technology risks undermining these crucial benefits.

Recent research highlights that many of the most effective cancer treatments leverage the body’s immune response to combat tumors. mRNA vaccines can specifically activate the immune system to identify proteins unique to cancer cells, offering a tailored approach to cancer treatment.

To evaluate the potential impact of these vaccines, Galvani and her team analyzed 32 ongoing mRNA cancer vaccine clinical trials in the U.S. They identified the top 11 promising trials and estimated the additional years of life these treatments could provide if widely administered to eligible patients within a year.

Furthermore, the researchers calculated the annual value of an additional year of life, utilizing statistical measures regarding how much individuals would pay for such benefits. They applied values established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to assess the implications of potential regulatory shifts.

Although the annual estimates may be optimistic—given that some vaccine candidates may not gain approval—Oliver Watson from Imperial College London employed a similar framework, estimating that COVID-19 vaccines have yielded global health and economic benefits ranging from $5 trillion to $38 trillion.

If researchers evaluated the cumulative value of multiple cohorts receiving cancer treatments and extended their analysis over a longer time frame, the potential benefits would be substantially greater. “These estimates are undoubtedly conservative,” Watson notes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

New mRNA Vaccine May Enhance Immune Response and Aid Cancer Survival

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mRNA vaccines show growing potential to revolutionize healthcare

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The mRNA COVID-19 vaccination seems to offer an unexpected advantage: it may extend the lives of cancer patients by enhancing immunotherapy effectiveness.

A study analyzing about 1,000 individuals undergoing treatment for advanced skin and lung cancer revealed that those who received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine within 100 days of starting treatment with an immune checkpoint inhibitor had nearly double the survival time compared to those who did not receive the vaccine during this period. Clinical trials to validate these findings are set to commence by year-end.

“The outcomes were astonishing,” states Elias Sayur, a researcher at the University of Florida. They speculate about the potential to develop an mRNA vaccine that enhances this immune response. “Could we craft a universal mRNA vaccine that activates the immune system across all cancer patients?” he muses. “The possibilities are extensive.”

However, is it advisable for someone just commencing checkpoint inhibitors to get a COVID-19 vaccine to improve treatment efficacy? “I am hesitant to provide clinical recommendations without concrete proof,” Sayur cautions. “Attempting to harness your immune system against cancer also carries risks,” he adds, urging adherence to established vaccine guidelines.

The rationale behind this finding lies in the immune system’s capacity to eliminate many cancers even before they escalate. Yet, some tumors evolve to obstruct this response. They achieve this by manipulating the “off switch” of T cells, which are responsible for destroying cancer cells. A well-known off switch is the protein PD-1 found on T cell surfaces.

PD-1 becomes inactive when it binds to a protein called PD-L1 on certain cell surfaces. This serves as a safety mechanism for cells to signal, “cease the attack, I am benign.”

Numerous cancers hijack PD-L1 by producing it in excessive amounts. Checkpoint inhibitors function by preventing PD-1 and other off switches from becoming activated. These treatments have significantly increased survival rates for conditions like lung cancer and melanoma, earning a Nobel Prize for their developers in 2018.

However, the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors varies significantly. When an individual’s immune system fails to react to the tumor by dispatching T cells for an attack, these drugs offer limited benefit.

Consequently, combining checkpoint inhibitors with vaccines that bolster the immune system’s tumor combat capabilities could prove to be more effective than either strategy used in isolation. Cancer vaccines are generally tailored to elicit a response to mutated proteins in cancer cells and are often personalized. “We are attempting to discern the unique aspects of their tumors,” Sayur explains. “It demands substantial time, funding, and complexity.”

During cancer vaccine trials, his team observed that the non-specific mRNA vaccine used as a control also exhibited remarkable effectiveness. “It was an absolute surprise,” Sayur remarks.

In July, Sayur and colleagues published findings indicating that mRNA vaccines enhance anti-tumor responses, even when not aimed at cancer-specific proteins, as revealed in studies in mice. Vaccines can initiate an innate immune response that acts like an alarm, energizing the immune system and prompting T cells to move from tumors to lymph nodes, where they rally other immune cells for a focused attack.

Recognizing this potential, Sayur and his team examined the medical records of patients treated at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Out of 884 advanced lung cancer patients receiving checkpoint inhibitors, 180 had received mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations within 100 days of initiating treatment. Those vaccinated survived for approximately 37 months, contrasting with roughly 20 months for those unvaccinated.

Furthermore, among 210 individuals with melanoma that had metastasized, 43 had been vaccinated within 100 days of starting checkpoint inhibitors. They had a survival time of around 30 to 40 months, compared to around 27 months for individuals who were not vaccinated in that time frame. Some vaccinated individuals remained alive at the time of analysis, indicating their survival may extend even longer. The research findings were shared at the European Society of Medical Oncology Congress in Berlin, Germany.

Previous reports have suggested that after receiving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, a proportion of tumors exhibited shrinkage, indicating potential anti-tumor effects in certain cases even without checkpoint inhibitors. “It’s certainly a possibility, but further investigations are essential to fully understand,” comments Sayur.

The United States recently declared significant cuts in funding for mRNA vaccine development, despite the substantial benefits they have provided during the pandemic and the vast potential they hold for treatments beyond vaccines.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

What Enhancements Are Coming in the Next Generation of mRNA Vaccines?

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Computer illustration of a cross-section (orange strands) of a lipid nanoparticle carrying viral mRNA

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Virus-like vaccines typically trigger strong immune reactions; however, mRNA versions are significantly quicker and less expensive to manufacture. We now benefit from mRNA vaccines that encode for virus-like nanoparticles instead of individual proteins, as is the case with current COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.

Grace Hendricks and her team at the University of Washington in Seattle have demonstrated that an mRNA version of a coronavirus nanoparticle vaccine provokes immune responses in mice that are up to 28 times stronger than those elicited by standard mRNA vaccines.

According to Hendricks, some mild but unpleasant side effects of mRNA vaccines result from the body’s immediate response to the injected mRNA and the lipid particles encapsulating it. A more potent vaccine could enable lower dosages. “This means we can maintain the essential immune response while reducing the dose, thus minimizing side effects,” she explains.

The first vaccine was comprised of a weakened “live” virus and is highly effective, yet poses risks for individuals with compromised immune systems. This was followed by inactivated vaccines containing “dead” viruses, which are safer but challenging to produce.

The advancement continued with protein subunit vaccines that generally include only the exterior proteins of the virus. These are even safer than inactivated vaccines, but airborne proteins often fail to induce robust immune responses.

As a solution, vaccine developers began embedding viral proteins into tiny spheres to create spiky structures resembling viruses to the immune system, yet as safe as protein subunit vaccines. This is achieved by modifying existing proteins to self-assemble into small spheres with protruding viral proteins known as vaccine nanoparticles.

During the pandemic, Hendricks’s colleagues worked on a COVID-19 nanoparticle vaccine called Skycovion. Although it received approval in South Korea in 2022, mRNA vaccines had already made significant advances by that time, leading to limited use of Skycovion.

mRNA vaccines are significantly faster and more straightforward to produce than protein-based vaccines, as they provide a recipe for protein assembly, while the challenging task of protein synthesis is executed by the body’s cells. The viral proteins coded by these first-generation mRNA vaccines eventually protrude from the cell surface, inducing a more effective immune response compared to free-floating proteins but still falling short of the efficacy seen with nanoparticle vaccines.

Currently, Hendricks and her colleagues have merged the advantages of both methods by developing a vaccine that consists of mRNA encoding Skycovion. After the vaccine proteins are produced within cells, they organize into nanoparticles that have shown efficacy in mouse studies.

“This was merely a proof of concept for this gene transfer,” Hendricks stated. She and her team are already advancing what they term mRNA-launched nanoparticle vaccines targeting influenza, Epstein-Barr virus (which can lead to cancer), and various other viruses.

“I am excited about the potential of mRNA-launched protein nanoparticle vaccines.” said William Sheeff from The Scripps Research Institute in California, who is working on an HIV vaccine. “My colleagues and I have published impressive immunogenicity results with two mRNA-launched nanoparticles in clinical trials and several similar particles in mouse models. This new research enhances the existing body of work.” Despite this promising trajectory, the United States has announced significant cuts to funding for the development of mRNA vaccines.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

mRNA Drugs: A Shield Against Nearly All Viral Infections

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Illustration of a protein complex binding to DNA in the production of vital signaling molecules known as interferons.

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Weekly inhaler puffs, similar to those used for asthma, might safeguard you against viral infections that could make winters challenging.

This promising idea stems from encouraging animal studies involving mRNA therapies aimed at activating our natural viral defenses. “We can consider this a universal antiviral agent,” states Dusan Bogunovic from Columbia University in New York.

To fully realize this potential, the development of mRNA technology used in vaccines will be essential, but recent funding cuts in the US for mRNA vaccine initiatives pose a significant concern. “I would be surprised if this doesn’t impact such progress,” Bogunovic mentioned.

Beyond recognizing and neutralizing viruses with antibodies, our bodies have multiple inherent defenses. For instance, upon detecting a viral invasion, cells emit a critical signaling molecule called interferons. This activates around 1000 genes, resulting in the production of various antiviral proteins, each playing distinct protective roles. Some obstruct viral entry into cells and hinder the release of other viral particles.

While not all antiviral proteins are effective against every virus, their strategic combination can yield significant results. “Our innate immune system is remarkably robust,” Bogunovic observes.

Bogunovic points out that the rapid replication of respiratory viruses presents a challenge. However, if the body can proactively prepare these defenses, it could reduce viral replication and ensure that infections remain less severe, even before the immune system fully kicks in.

There were hopes of using interferon as a broad-spectrum antiviral, but the potential for severe side effects warranted caution. Thus, Bogunovic and his team are focusing instead on creating an antiviral agent composed of a select group of 1000 proteins induced by interferons.

They chose 10 specific proteins and introduced them into cells via mRNAs that encode these proteins. The mRNA delivery system allows for temporary protein production within targeted cells, which is critical as preformed proteins are often too large to enter cells in adequate amounts.

Experiments where human cells were infected with a range of viruses, including influenza and Zika, demonstrated that this mRNA cocktail effectively enhanced viral protection. This could provide the necessary head start in the body.

The team subsequently administered these mRNAs to the lungs of Golden Hamsters. The mRNA combination afforded strong protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes Covid-19, drastically reducing viral loads in comparison to untreated counterparts. “I thought, ‘This could actually be a universal antiviral,’” Bogunovic says.

Present antiviral medications are typically limited to specific viruses; hence, broad-spectrum treatments are immensely valuable. The breakthrough of antibiotics such as penicillin, which can eliminate a wide array of bacteria, has transformed medical practice.

Moreover, some combinations of proteins activated by interferons may work particularly well against specific viruses, Bogunovic mentions. This same methodology could also help in formulating specialized antiviral agents.

Effectively delivering mRNA to a significant number of vulnerable cells remains crucial. Further advancements are required, as targeting specific cell types with mRNA continues to be challenging.

“This scenario is certainly intriguing and could lead to significant developments, but we are still a distance from implementing practical and adaptable solutions,” states Aris Katzourakis from Oxford University. “This research emphasizes the vast potential of mRNA technology extending beyond vaccines. The current trend of mRNA vaccine funding in the US will likely and regrettably hinder progress in both domains.”

While antibiotic resistance remains a pressing issue, Bogunovic believes it is unlikely that viruses will develop resistance to this type of antiviral approach, given its combination of various interferon-triggered proteins that target multiple phases of the virus’s lifecycle. This combined strategy has already yielded successes in HIV treatments.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Essential Insights on mRNA Vaccines in Response to RFK’s Claims

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Director of the U.S. Health Bureau

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The U.S. Secretary of Health has claimed that mRNA vaccines are ineffective against respiratory illnesses and announced a $5 billion cut in funding for mRNA vaccine research. This contradicts existing scientific evidence, which shows that many mRNA vaccines are not only effective but often outperform other vaccine types. Here’s what you should know to assess these statements:

During his announcement, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, stated, “These vaccines cannot effectively protect against upper respiratory tract infections such as COVID and influenza.” He indicated that funding would shift “to a safer, more versatile vaccine platform that remains effective even as the virus mutates.”

There are currently various vaccine types available: live viruses, inactivated viruses, genetically engineered viral shells, individual viral proteins, and mRNAs that encode viral proteins. The effectiveness of these vaccines is often influenced more by the virus than by the vaccine itself.

For instance, the MMR vaccine has a 100% effectiveness rate in preventing measles outbreaks when vaccination coverage exceeds 90%. This high effectiveness is due to the measles virus being a stable target and requiring complex routes deep within the body, allowing ample opportunities for the immune system to respond before symptoms develop or transmission occurs.

In contrast, respiratory viruses, which cause colds and flus, initially infect cells in the upper respiratory tract. This setting complicates the generation of sufficient protective antibodies, making it significantly harder to prevent infection and transmission compared to measles.

Moreover, viruses responsible for colds, influenza, and COVID-19 are continuously mutating, driving evolutionary pressures for changes that can evade immunity from both infection and vaccination. Consequently, no influenza or COVID-19 vaccine can offer the same long-term protection as the measles components of MMR vaccines. However, mRNA vaccines perform comparably well.

For example, some mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are over 90% effective against symptomatic infections and provide enhanced protection against severe outcomes. In contrast, the effectiveness of non-mRNA vaccines for annual influenza prevention ranges from 20% to 60%. Additionally, a recent trial involving a combined COVID-19 and influenza mRNA vaccine has shown potential to surpass existing non-mRNA influenza vaccines for individuals over 50, who are most at risk.

Thus, Kennedy’s assertion regarding ineffectiveness is misguided. While this does not imply that mRNA vaccines will always be superior to others, new vaccines must outperform existing ones in clinical trials. If mRNA vaccines were ineffective, they would not receive approval.

Kennedy also posits that other vaccine types might sustain their effectiveness amidst viral mutations, likely referencing the concept of a “universal vaccine.” This idea aims to create a single vaccine effective against all variants of, for example, influenza or coronaviruses by targeting stable parts of the virus. However, achieving this is challenging since viruses often conceal stable regions beneath variable structures.

Despite extensive research efforts over the decades, developing a reliable universal vaccine has yet to be successful. Thus, investing heavily in this area may be unwise. Additionally, mRNA technology has been utilized in experimental settings for creating universal vaccines, making Kennedy’s second statement equally flawed.

Finally, effectiveness is just one factor; safety, cost, and the rapidity of vaccine development are also critical considerations. In this regard, mRNA technology provides significant advantages: it is safer than vaccines derived from live viruses, less expensive than those based on a single viral protein, and can be developed rapidly—essential in the context of quickly evolving respiratory viruses, especially during pandemics.

Moreover, mRNA vaccine technology has broader applications for developing a variety of other treatments. The funding cuts announced by Kennedy, based on erroneous claims, could impede progress by deterring companies from investing in this promising technology.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Human Trials Illuminate Pathway for mRNA Vaccines Targeting HIV

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Electron micrographs of HIV pathogens

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Creating effective HIV vaccines may necessitate intricate formulations containing various viral proteins. Presently, two trials utilizing potential mRNA components have shown encouraging outcomes. The aim is to leverage mRNA technology for administering vaccines as a single dose rather than requiring multiple injections.

Typically, vaccines feature the virus’s outer protein, prompting the immune system to react against it. However, developing HIV vaccines poses significant challenges due to the virus’s proteins being heavily coated with sugars, which makes it tough for the immune system to generate antibodies. There’s also considerable variation across strains; therefore, even if an individual’s immune system can produce effective antibodies, these may only target a specific variant of the virus.

Nevertheless, a few individuals generate broadly neutralizing antibodies that are effective across multiple strains. Research in animals suggests that vaccines incorporating sequences of HIV proteins in various configurations can reliably elicit this broadly protective response, according to William Schief at the Scripps Institute in California.

The initial part of the vaccine comprises a modified viral protein aimed at stimulating the body to produce the essential B cells required for generating broadly neutralizing antibodies. The booster then encourages these cells to produce antibodies targeting external proteins.

This method highlights the advantages of mRNA vaccine technology, as mRNAs can be developed swiftly and conveniently, Schief states. “That’s a significant benefit.”

A single mRNA vaccine could encode multiple viral proteins simultaneously and has the potential to produce them in the body at different intervals, he adds. This implies that the mRNA HIV vaccine could potentially be administered as a single dose, even though several boosters typically follow. “Ideally, I’d prefer to administer one vaccine, with some components being released later,” Schief explained.

Earlier this year, his team shared promising results from preliminary human trials of the initial primers developed to stimulate B cells. Currently, his team is evaluating one of the subsequent boosters in another small study.

When volunteers received mRNA instructions for HIV external proteins integrated into the cell membrane, 80% generated antibodies shown to block infection in laboratory tests.

In this study, these antibodies were specific to one strain. Researchers anticipate that when boosters are administered sequentially, each component will be produced within the body in the correct order.

However, both trials reported a higher incidence of volunteers experiencing hive reactions, which have persisted for years. This reaction hasn’t been seen in any other mRNA vaccine trials or in non-mRNA vaccines incorporating HIV proteins, Schief notes. There appears to be an unknown factor related to delivering HIV proteins via mRNA that leads to this side effect. “It remains a scientific mystery at this time,” he states.

“The uncertainty surrounding the cause of this adverse effect makes it challenging to mitigate,” notes Hildegund Ertl, a vaccine expert associated with a company currently under exploration, Pharma5 in Morocco.

Ertl concurs that mRNA technology enables rapid testing of vaccine components but believes that the optimal final product could be delivered through different types of vaccines, such as those using empty viral shells. These alternatives can be stored at room temperature, unlike others that may require freezing, she points out.

Currently, there’s a medication called renacapavir, which offers nearly complete protection from HIV infection with two injections a year. Nevertheless, Schief believes a vaccine is still necessary. “We’re all striving to achieve this as quickly as possible,” he states, but even with the advancements in mRNA technology, an approved HIV vaccine may still be decades away.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Essential Information About mRNA Vaccines

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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has raised concerns about the safety of mRNA vaccines for Covid-19. Scientists have sought funding from the National Institutes of Health: Scrub their grants of mRNA references. State legislatures nationwide are debating bills that aim to ban or limit these vaccines. Weapons of mass destruction.

Messenger RNAs (mRNAs) have gained significant attention recently, though they were first discovered in 1961. Since then, scientists have explored their potential in preventing infections and treating cancer and rare diseases.

mRNA is a large molecule present in all cells, serving as a template to produce the proteins encoded by our DNA. It carries instructions from the DNA in the nucleus to the cell’s protein synthesis machinery. According to Jeff Koller, a professor of RNA biology and therapy at Johns Hopkins University, a single mRNA molecule can generate multiple copies of a protein, and is designed to break down after fulfilling its role.

Currently, there are three FDA-approved mRNA vaccines for older adults. These vaccines utilize strands of mRNA that encode specific viral proteins.

Upon receiving a Covid-19 vaccine, the mRNA chains, encapsulated in tiny fat particles, enter muscle and immune cells, explained Robert Alexander Wesselhoif, director of the RNA Therapy Institute at Mass General Brigham’s Institute of Genetic and Cell Therapy. These intracellular factories then use mRNA instructions to produce proteins resembling those on the Covid-19 virus surface. The body perceives these proteins as foreign, triggering an immune response.

While most mRNA degrades within days, the body keeps a “memory” in the form of antibodies, noted Dr. Koller. As with other vaccines, immunity may wane over time, requiring updates for new variants.

In the mid-2000s, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania discovered a method to introduce foreign mRNA into human cells without it degrading first, paving the way for vaccine development.

Currently, the primary application of these vaccines is to prevent infectious diseases like Covid-19 and RSV, according to Dr. Wesselhoeft, who founded a company focused on RNA therapy. mRNA vaccines can be developed quickly, as the non-RNA components remain consistent across different vaccines.

This rapid development could aid in creating annual flu vaccines, stated Florian Krammer, a virologist from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Typically, choice of flu vaccine strains is made in late winter, but mRNA vaccines can adapt more swiftly, allowing for better efficacy against circulating strains.

A common question is whether mRNA vaccines can impact DNA. Dr. Boucher clarified that this is not possible; mRNA cannot be converted into DNA or integrated into the genome.

Covid-19 vaccines may cause temporary muscle pain and other mild side effects, as noted by Dr. Krammer.

Dr. Adam Ratner, a pediatric infection specialist in New York, remarked that in the over four years since the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine, there have been “no long-term safety signals.” He noted parental concerns regarding myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart, but emphasized that the risks associated with actual Covid-19 infections far outweigh those of vaccination.

mRNA-based vaccines may target a variety of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular conditions, autoimmune disorders like type 1 diabetes, and rare diseases such as cystic fibrosis.

For cancer, the concept is that mRNA can encode tumor-associated proteins, prompting an immune response against tumors. In genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis, mRNA can produce a functional version of a missing protein, restoring normal function in affected tissues.

A recent paper published in Nature outlined an experimental mRNA vaccine for pancreatic cancer, which elicited immune responses in some patients post-surgery. Those who experienced immune activation had improved survival rates compared to those who did not.

Another study on monkeys investigated inhaled mRNA therapy aimed at producing proteins necessary for cilia formation, which play a crucial role in clearing mucus in the airways. This therapy targets dysfunctions associated with primary ciliary dyskinesia.

This research is in its preliminary stages, with the Phase I trial for pancreatic cancer involving only 16 patients, which may lead to variability in survival outcomes. Dr. Stephen Rosenberg, an expert in cancer immunotherapy at the National Cancer Institute, has indicated that interventions can stimulate immune responses without significantly altering patient outcomes.

Dr. Richard Boucher, a pulmonary scientist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, noted that targeting the correct cells with mRNA-carrying particles for lung diseases is particularly challenging.

Overall, Dr. Ratner described mRNA vaccines as “exciting” and holding promise for treating conditions where prior technologies have struggled. However, he cautioned that mRNA therapies should be seen as one of many drug technologies, with varying efficacy depending on the illness.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Amid RFK Jr.’s Vaccine Advocacy, Resistance to mRNA Therapy Intensifies

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Utah and Tennessee have enacted laws mandating that foods containing vaccines be categorized as drugs, despite the fact that such products are not currently available. Legislators reference a University of California study that investigates the possibility of incorporating vaccines into lettuce.

“We’ll consume this batch of lettuce, take these mRNA vaccines, and then retest the DNA. The results will likely differ. This poses a risk.”

In reality, mRNA vaccines cannot alter genetic material because they do not interact with the cell nucleus, where DNA is located. While small amounts of DNA may be present in all vaccines—similar to what can be found in influenza vaccines—the Food and Drug Administration enforces strict limitations, typically rendering these levels negligible. Researchers have been exploring mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases and cancer for years, dating back to the 1990s with mice, and human trials since the early 2000s. Vaccines containing live viruses have recognized side effects; mRNA vaccines generally experience fewer adverse reactions compared to traditional vaccines.

“mRNA is not a foreign agent. It is something we are regularly exposed to,” stated Melissamua, Chief Science Officer at Moderna, the producer of the COVID vaccine. “Every time you consume whole foods, meat, or vegetables, you ingest substantial amounts of mRNA, which your body degrades and utilizes.”

Even should the bill fail to pass, its advocates assert they are in it for the long haul. Last month, Minnesota Republicans introduced a proposal to classify mRNA products as weapons of mass destruction, adding them to a list including natural PO, charcoal, bacteria, and mustard gas. This initiative mirrored the language of a bill drafted by Florida hypnotist Joseph Santhorne. In his newsletter, Mr. Santhorne lauded local Republican groups for passing resolutions supporting the ban and urged his followers to participate in political events to confront officials.

“It ‘punches them in their eyes,'” he remarked. “It carries significant psychological impact.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Early trials suggest mRNA vaccines hold potential for treating pancreatic cancer

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Personalized mRNA vaccines, including those for pancreatic cancer treatment, are currently in phase 1 of clinical trials. The research was recently published in Nature.

Pancreatic cancer has one of the lowest survival rates among cancer types, with less than 13% of patients surviving beyond five years after diagnosis. The disease is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, with nearly 90% of cases already progressing when detected.

Pancreatic cancer cells have a high tendency to spread rapidly to other parts of the body, usually after the primary tumor has grown large. Symptoms typically only appear in late stages, and there are currently no routine screening methods like mammograms or colonoscopies for this cancer.

Effective treatments for pancreatic cancer are limited, with survival rates remaining around 10% despite the best available therapies. The development of personalized mRNA vaccines for cancer treatment aims to change this narrative.

Before the widespread use of mRNA vaccines for Covid-19, researchers were exploring their potential for cancer treatment. These vaccines work by training the immune system to identify and attack cancer cells, essentially turning the body’s immune response into a cancer-fighting mechanism. Current research is focused on melanoma, colorectal cancer, and other solid tumors.

The success of mRNA cancer vaccines relies on generating a robust response from T cells, a type of immune cell that recognizes and fights off intruders. These T cells need to be durable and capable of detecting and eliminating cancer cells, including those in pancreatic cancer which present unique challenges due to limited mutation targets.

A recent clinical trial evaluated the efficacy of an mRNA vaccine in pancreatic cancer patients who had undergone surgery to remove the tumor. Results showed that the vaccine elicited a response in half of the participants, generating tumor-targeting T cells that persisted for years. This promising outcome underscores the potential of mRNA vaccines in improving outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.

The study also highlighted the need for further research to determine the long-term impact of these vaccines on patient outcomes. The development of ready-made mRNA vaccines that target common mutations in pancreatic cancer tumors is another area of ongoing investigation, offering a more standardized approach to treatment.

Overall, early findings suggest that mRNA vaccines hold promise in enhancing the body’s immune response against pancreatic cancer, offering hope for improved survival rates and outcomes in the future.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Using mRNA Technology to Treat Pre-eclampsia

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High blood pressure is a common symptom of preeclampsia

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Currently, the only way to deal with preeclampsia, a common pregnancy complication, is to deliver the baby early if possible. But researchers have now successfully treated this condition in mice by delivering mRNA molecules to the placenta to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels.

They say the next step is to test this mRNA therapy in larger animals such as guinea pigs and non-human primates. kelsey swingle at the University of Pennsylvania. “That’s something we’ve been talking about starting in the really near future.”

If the treatment proves effective in large animals, the researchers envision testing it first in people who develop preeclampsia early in pregnancy.

“If you have pre-eclampsia in the 8th or 9th month of pregnancy, you are inducing it early, but if you have severe pre-eclampsia in the 4th or 5th month of pregnancy, it is It’s not an option. There’s a very good chance you’ll lose the baby,” the team member says. michael mitchell also at the University of Pennsylvania. “That’s where we can get treatment.” [address] There is a pressing need. ”

It may also be used late in pregnancy to avoid the need for early delivery, which can affect the infant’s health.

Approximately 1 in 25 women will develop preeclampsia during their first pregnancy, which can have serious consequences. It is estimated that 75,000 women die from preeclampsia worldwide. 500,000 infants Every year.

Preeclampsia is usually diagnosed based on high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy and signs of kidney damage, such as protein in the urine. The underlying reason for this is that the arteries that connect the uterus and placenta fail to develop properly, Swingle said.

Therefore, it could theoretically be possible to treat preeclampsia by promoting the growth of arteries within the placenta. We know that a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes blood vessel growth, but the problem is getting it to the placenta.

Proteins like VEGF are simply injected into the bloodstream and quickly removed, Swingle said. This problem can be overcome by providing a recipe for creating proteins in the form of mRNA molecules wrapped in fatty substances forming lipid nanoparticles (LNPs).

Once LNP is taken up by cells, mRNA molecules tell the cells how to make the desired protein. The effect is temporary, as the molecules break down after a while.

Swingle says this approach has already been tested in pregnancy, as this is how covid-19 mRNA vaccines work. “Many pregnant women have been vaccinated against COVID-19.”

The LNPs used in mRNA covid-19 vaccines are injected directly into muscle cells, so they are taken up by muscle cells. However, when the same LNP is injected into the blood, almost all of it is taken up by liver cells.

Therefore, the big challenge for Swingle and her team was finding a way to get the LNPs to the placenta. To accomplish this, we created and tested about 100 LNPs with slightly different chemical properties.

When the research team used the most promising of these LNPs to deliver an mRNA molecule encoding VEGF to pregnant mice with pre-eclampsia, the mice’s blood pressure returned to normal for the remainder of their pregnancy. .

“This approach merits further study in higher primates and, if animal data suggest both safety and efficacy, in women with preeclampsia,” he says. peter von derdelsen At King’s College London.

Studies in mice using mRNA encoding fluorescent proteins have shown that LNPs are taken up by the spleen and to some extent by the liver and placenta, which is a potential safety issue. Importantly, however, there was no sign that LNPs crossed the mouse placenta and reached the fetus.

There is currently no cure for preeclampsia, but the risks are especially great without advanced medical care. “Injectable therapies that do not require all the highly expensive and complex standard treatments could be transformative for applications in developing countries,” Mitchell said.

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Source: www.newscientist.com