The messenger's great message for vaccination

Poly ribonucleic acid (RNA) is the only polymer capable to recapitulate all processes of life: containment of genetic information, enzymatic activities and capacity to create defined 3D structures. Since it has a remarkable chemical stability (at neutral or acidic pH) and can be modified to enhance/reduce particular features (e.g., stability in biological RNase containing milieus or recognition by immune sensors), it is a particularly versatile and ideal active pharmaceutical ingredient. However, the utilization of RNA as a gene vehicle (messenger RNA, mRNA) for therapy has only recently been exploited. Within this scope, mRNA-based vaccines designed to trigger anti-cancer, anti-virus or anti-allergy immune responses have been developed. Modifications of mRNA vectors and implementation of adequate formulations have allowed to turn this natural superlative biological molecule into a safe active pharmaceutical ingredient that can virtually address any medical need including vaccination or immunotherapy. This is the newest great message delivered by this messenger.