Future considerations for the mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccine platform

Vaccines based on mRNA-containing lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) pioneered by Katalin Karikoand Drew Weissman at the University of Pennsylvania are a promising new vaccine platform used by two of the leading vaccines against coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19). However, there are many questions regarding their mechanism of action in humans that remain unanswered. Here we consider the immunological features of LNP components and off-target effects of the mRNA, both of which could increase the risk of side effects. We suggest ways to mitigate these potential risks by harnessing dendritic cell (DC) biology.

Automated summary

mRNA-based LNPs are a promising new vaccine platform, but there are still many unanswered questions regarding their mechanism and potential side effects. Utilizing dendritic cell biology could help mitigate these risks.