Advances in the polymeric delivery of nucleic acid vaccines

Nucleic acid vaccines, especially messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, display unique benefits in the current COVID-19 pandemic. The application of polymeric materials as delivery carriers has greatly promoted nucleic acid vaccine as a promising prophylactic and therapeutic strategy. The inherent properties of polymeric materials render nucleic acid vaccines with excellent in vivo stability, enhanced biosafety, specific cellular uptake, endolysosomal escape, and promoted antigen expression. Although polymeric delivery of nucleic acid vaccines has progressed significantly in the past decades, clinical translation of polymer-gene vaccine systems still faces insurmountable challenges. This review summarizes the diverse polymers and their characterizations and representative formulations for nucleic acid vaccine delivery. We also discussed existing problems, coping strategies, and prospect relevant to applications of nucleic acid vaccines and polymeric carriers. This review highlights the rational design and development of polymeric vaccine delivery systems towards meeting the goals of defending serious or emerging diseases.

Automated summary

Nucleic acid vaccines, especially mRNA vaccines, have unique advantages in the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of polymeric materials as delivery carriers has greatly improved the development of nucleic acid vaccines for prevention and treatment. This review summarizes the different polymers and formulations used for nucleic acid vaccine delivery and discusses existing problems, coping strategies, and future prospects.