mRNA and the immune system: how mRNA can activate or suppress immune responses

Apr 6, 2023

mRNA, or messenger RNA, has recently become a powerful tool in the field of immunology due to its ability to activate or suppress immune responses. In this article, we will explore how mRNA can achieve these effects and its potential applications in the development of new immunotherapies.

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What is mRNA and how does it work?

mRNA is a single-stranded RNA molecule that carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes, the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis. In the process of transcription, DNA is first converted into pre-mRNA, which is then spliced and modified to produce mature mRNA. The mature mRNA molecules are then transported out of the nucleus and into the cytoplasm, where they serve as templates for protein synthesis. Protein synthesis involves a process called translation, whereby the sequence of nucleotides on the mRNA molecule is read by ribosomes and translated into the amino acid sequence of a protein. This process relies on the ability of tRNA molecules to recognize specific codons on the mRNA and deliver the corresponding amino acid to the growing protein chain.

How can mRNA activate immune responses?
In recent years, mRNA has emerged as a promising tool for the development of new immunotherapies. One of the ways in which mRNA can activate immune responses is by encoding for immunostimulatory proteins, such as cytokines or co-stimulatory molecules. These proteins can then be expressed in cells in the body, leading to the activation of immune cells and the promotion of an anti-tumor or anti-viral immune response. Another way in which mRNA can activate immune responses is by serving as a template for the production of therapeutic proteins, such as antibodies or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. By encoding for a specific protein sequence, mRNA can direct the expression of the protein in cells in the body, leading to the targeting and elimination of disease-causing cells.
How can mRNA suppress immune responses?
In addition to activating immune responses, mRNA can also be engineered to suppress immune responses in a targeted manner. This can be achieved by encoding for antigen-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are immune cells that can suppress the activity of other immune cells. By expressing Tregs in cells in the body, mRNA can prevent unwanted immune responses, such as those that occur in autoimmune diseases or inflammation. Moreover, mRNA can also be designed to contain modified nucleotides or chemical modifications, which can enhance the stability and delivery of the mRNA molecule. This can allow for more efficient and targeted delivery of therapeutic mRNA molecules to specific cell types, such as immune cells.
Potential applications of mRNA in immunotherapy
The ability of mRNA to activate or suppress immune responses has attracted significant attention in the field of immunotherapy. Several mRNA-based vaccines have been developed for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. In addition, mRNA-based therapies are being developed for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. For example, mRNA-based CAR T cells have been shown to be effective in targeting and eliminating cancer cells in preclinical models. Similarly, mRNA-based Tregs have shown promise in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
In conclusion, mRNA is a powerful tool in the field of immunology due to its ability to activate or suppress immune responses. By encoding for immunostimulatory or regulatory proteins, mRNA can direct the expression of specific proteins in cells in the body, leading to the activation or suppression of immune responses. These properties make mRNA a promising tool for the development of new immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases.

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