Open Access

REVIEW

mRNA vaccines: a new era in vaccine development

by SHUBHRA CHANDRA^1,2, JENNIFER C. WILSON^1,2, DAVID GOOD³, MING Q. WEI^1,2,*

1 School of Pharmacy & Medical Sciences, Gold Coast campus, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD-4222, Australia
2 Menzies Health Institute Queensland (MHIQ), Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD-4215, Australia
3 School of Allied Health, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, QLD-4014, Australia

* Corresponding Author: MING Q. WEI. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Cancer Immunotherapy)

Oncology Research 2024, 32(10), 1543-1564. https://doi.org/10.32604/or.2024.043987

Received 18 July 2023; Accepted 02 July 2024; Issue published 18 September 2024

Abstract

The advent of RNA therapy, particularly through the development of mRNA cancer vaccines, has ushered in a new era in the field of oncology. This article provides a concise overview of the key principles, recent advancements, and potential implications of mRNA cancer vaccines as a groundbreaking modality in cancer treatment. mRNA cancer vaccines represent a revolutionary approach to combatting cancer by leveraging the body’s innate immune system. These vaccines are designed to deliver specific mRNA sequences encoding cancer-associated antigens, prompting the immune system to recognize and mount a targeted response against malignant cells. This personalized and adaptive nature of mRNA vaccines holds immense potential for addressing the heterogeneity of cancer and tailoring treatments to individual patients. Recent breakthroughs in the development of mRNA vaccines, exemplified by the success of COVID-19 vaccines, have accelerated their application in oncology. The mRNA platform’s versatility allows for the rapid adaptation of vaccine candidates to various cancer types, presenting an agile and promising avenue for therapeutic intervention. Clinical trials of mRNA cancer vaccines have demonstrated encouraging results in terms of safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy. Pioneering candidates, such as BioNTech’s BNT111 and Moderna’s mRNA-4157, have exhibited promising outcomes in targeting melanoma and solid tumors, respectively. These successes underscore the potential of mRNA vaccines to elicit robust and durable anti-cancer immune responses. While the field holds great promise, challenges such as manufacturing complexities and cost considerations need to be addressed for widespread adoption. The development of scalable and cost-effective manufacturing processes, along with ongoing clinical research, will be pivotal in realizing the full potential of mRNA cancer vaccines. Overall, mRNA cancer vaccines represent a cutting-edge therapeutic approach that holds the promise of transforming cancer treatment. As research progresses, addressing challenges and refining manufacturing processes will be crucial in advancing these vaccines from clinical trials to mainstream oncology practice, offering new hope for patients in the fight against cancer.

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