title: The messenger's great message for vaccination.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of Zurich Dermatology, Gloriasstrasse 31, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Steve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pascolo
mesh_terms: D019496:Cancer Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000276:immunology*; D014611:Vaccination; D019444:Vaccines, DNA / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D019496:Cancer Vaccines; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D019444:Vaccines, DNA
keywords: allergies; cancer; infections; messenger RNA; vaccine