A new type of mRNA vaccine is more scalable and adaptable to continuously evolving viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and H5N1, according to a new study by researchers at University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health and the Pennsylvania State University. The study was published in npj Vaccines.
Though highly effective at inducing an immune response, current mRNA vaccines can struggle with the constantly evolving nature of the specific pathogen. To address this challenge and more, the researchers created a proof-of-concept COVID-19 vaccine a "trans-amplifying" mRNA platform. In this approach, the mRNA is separated into two fragments—the antigen sequence and the replicase sequence—the latter of which can be produced in advance, saving time in the event a new vaccine must be developed urgently and at scale.
Additionally, the researchers analyzed the spike-protein sequences of all known variants of the SARS-CoV-2 for commonalities, rendering a consensus spike protein as the basis for the vaccine’s antigen. In mice, the vaccine induced a robust immune response against many strains of SARS-CoV-2.
“This has the potential for more lasting immunity that would not require updating, because the vaccine has the potential to provide broad protection,” said senior author Suresh Kuchipudi, chair of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology at Pitt Public Health.
The results and data from this study could be applicable for other challenging viruses, including the bird flu.
Data from the University of Pittsburgh