mRNA is one of the three types of RNA that is found in an animal cell. The molecular biology and genetic studies have clearly concluded the role of mRNA in the formation of amino acids. The process is also known as protein synthesis. mRNA is identical to a single strand of DNA with its own properties and functions, its role in protein synthesis is a well known property. The messenger RNA has been explored for the advancement of medicinal studies. Its key application is undoubtedly the development of vaccines, in anticipation of boosting antibody development in humans. The success of mRNA vaccines when compared to the conventional vaccines has been providing a tectonic shift in the approach of prevention from deadly infectious diseases.
Immunity to fight deadly infectious diseases with mRNA Vaccines
The history of mRNA vaccines goes back to the early 1990s, attributed to a series of immune response studies. The advancements in this area are also promising when it comes to combating the proliferating cancer cells. Their role in the management of advanced disease conditions as well as global epidemics or pandemics is worth exploring. Thankfully, the global research is firmly focused in such direction. Several mRNA vaccines are already available in combating infectious diseases caused due to influenza virus, zika virus and rabies virus to name a few. With the world facing challenges due to Coronavirus pandemic, two new mRNA vaccines are developed. Pfizer and Moderna are the companies credited for the active development and distribution of mRNA based Coronavirus vaccines.
Considerations and challenges with mRNA Vaccines development
The conventional vaccines that are developed from inactivated pathogens have their own set of limitations. While achieving adaptive immune response is a key factor in vaccine success against the infectious pathogens, scaling up of production is very significant. Many conventional vaccines are successful in adaptive immune response which is a laboratory success. However, limitation with scaling up of manufacturing and production capacity remains a hurdle. This challenge has been effectively overcome by the introduction of mRNA vaccines.
The modern development techniques of mRNA vaccines and the sophistication or precision with which they are implemented could further expand their scope and relevance. It is also believed that their basic mechanism of action that determines the production of disease resistant or immunity boosting antibodies is perfectly in sync with the core function of the mRNA. This makes these vaccines more reliable and promising too. However, the challenges of manufacturing vis-à-vis demand during a global pandemic are huge. The production capacity has to be exponentially increased and it must be done in a desired timeframe. Any delay in vaccine manufacturing would cause more damage, which is the core reason for proposals such as IP waivers. This is more specific and applicable in the context of Coronavirus vaccines.
