m-RNA VACCINE

Subject : Science & tech

Context :  India’s very own m-RNA (messenger-RNA) vaccine could be ready by March. Pune-based Gennova Biopharmaceutical’s novel m-RNA vaccine candidate was approved for funding by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

Concept :

• In RNA vaccines, the messenger RNA from the pathogen is used.
• The mRNA means messenger RNA, which carries the genetic formula for the coding of a specific protein.
• The vaccine, when injected into a person for coding the spike protein, then even without the introduction of an attenuated (recognisable but not harmful) virus into the body, the body learns what the virus looks like and arms itself with the antibodies that are required to act against it.
• The messenger RNA gets translated into antigenic protein recognised by our immune cells and antibodies are produced.
• But mRNA is a highly unstable molecule making it difficult to handle.
• So the mRNA is encapsulated in a small ball of fat or lipid nanoparticle (LNP) which acts as a delivery vehicle that helps the mRNA cross the host cell membrane and once inside the mRNA is released.
• Forty-five subjects in between 18 to 55 years of age of both sexes will be enrolled and divided into three groups and each will receive an intramuscular injection on days 1 and 29.