Strategic deactivation of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines: New applications for siRNA therapy and RIBOTACs.

Publication date: Sep 01, 2024

The rapid development and authorization of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines by Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) and Moderna (mRNA-1273) in 2020 marked a significant milestone in human mRNA product application, overcoming previous obstacles such as mRNA instability and immunogenicity. This paper reviews the strategic modifications incorporated into these vaccines to enhance mRNA stability and translation efficiency, such as the inclusion of nucleoside modifications and optimized mRNA design elements including the 5′ cap and poly(A) tail. We highlight emerging concerns regarding the wide systemic biodistribution of these mRNA vaccines leading to prolonged inflammatory responses and other safety concerns. The regulatory framework guiding the biodistribution studies is pivotal in assessing the safety profiles of new mRNA formulations in use today. The stability of mRNA vaccines, their pervasive distribution, and the longevity of the encapsulated mRNA along with unlimited production of the damaging and potentially lethal spike (S) protein call for strategies to mitigate potential adverse effects. Here, we explore the potential of small interfering RNA (siRNA) and ribonuclease targeting chimeras (RIBOTACs) as promising solutions to target, inactivate, and degrade residual and persistent vaccine mRNA, thereby potentially preventing uncontrolled S protein production and reducing toxicity. The targeted nature of siRNA and RIBOTACs allows for precise intervention, offering a path to prevent and mitigate adverse events of mRNA-based therapies. This review calls for further research into siRNA and RIBOTAC applications as antidotes and detoxication products for mRNA vaccine technology.

Concepts Keywords
Biodistribution 2019-nCoV Vaccine mRNA-1273
Lethal 2019-nCoV Vaccine mRNA-1273
Mrna adverse event
Therapy Animals
Vaccines biodistribution
BNT162 Vaccine
BNT162 Vaccine
COVID-19
COVID-19 Vaccines
COVID-19 Vaccines
COVID‐19 vaccine
Humans
mRNA
mRNA Vaccines
mRNA Vaccines
RIBOTACs
RNA Stability
RNA, Messenger
RNA, Messenger
RNA, Small Interfering
RNA, Small Interfering
SARS-CoV-2
siRNA
spike protein

Semantics

Type Source Name
disease MESH COVID-19
pathway REACTOME Translation
disease VO efficiency
drug DRUGBANK Nonoxynol-9
disease IDO production
disease VO vaccine
disease IDO intervention
disease VO adverse event

Original Article

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