Recently, a team led by Professor HAO Pei at the Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with several renowned scholars, published a paper titled "Applications of mRNA Vaccine Technology in Infectious Diseases and Other Fields" in the journal Science China Life Sciences. The paper provides a detailed overview of the latest advancements in mRNA vaccine technology and its crucial role in addressing global public health crises.
The adaptability and high efficiency of mRNA vaccine technology were prominently demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since January 2022, there has been a significant surge in monkeypox virus infections, with over 80,000 confirmed cases globally across 110 countries. In July 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the monkeypox outbreak a global health emergency. The rapid development and deployment capabilities of mRNA vaccine technology have provided robust support in tackling this emerging public health threat.
Research indicates that mRNA vaccine technology can be used not only for preventing infectious diseases but also shows great potential in cancer treatment. By encoding tumor-associated antigens in mRNA, it can elicit strong immune responses to target and destroy cancer cells. Additionally, mRNA vaccine technology is being explored for treating rare genetic disorders by providing the coding information for missing or malfunctioning proteins, thereby correcting genetic defects.
This study not only highlights the successful application of mRNA vaccine technology in combating the COVID-19 and monkeypox outbreaks but also offers valuable insights and technological reserves for addressing future infectious diseases, cancer therapies, and rare genetic conditions. The advantages of mRNA vaccine technology lie in its rapid development and production capabilities, allowing for a swift response to sudden infectious disease outbreaks.
Furthermore, the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines have been validated in multiple clinical trials, laying a solid foundation for future vaccine development. The research teams also emphasize the strategic importance of mRNA vaccine technology in addressing potential future novel pathogens, providing ongoing protection for global public health security.
Contact:
HAO Pei
Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Reference: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11427-024-2639-3
