The rise of mRNA therapeutic vaccines†

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines were developed and approved to curb the spread of coronavirus. After over 16 billion doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech-Fosun and Moderna mRNA vaccines were administered, the immune protection and clinical value of the lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platform were fully demonstrated. Herein, we provide a detailed overview of the mRNA–LNP structure and immunogenicity function and provide mechanistic insights into the ability of the LNP to elicit an immune response to combat diseases. The challenges and solutions to address these are discussed. Finally, by learning from the fast-growing and most recent advances in mRNA therapeutic vaccines, from both pre-clinical and clinical aspects, we can further expand the mRNA platform to develop a new generation of mRNA therapeutic vaccines, satisfying unmet medical needs beyond COVID-19.