Russia’s Upcoming mRNA Cancer Vaccine

Sub: Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

Russia has announced the development of a personalized mRNA-based cancer vaccine, scheduled for free distribution to patients starting early 2025.

Key Points:

Unlike traditional vaccines, this mRNA cancer vaccine is tailored to individual patients, aiming to treat existing cancers rather than prevent them.
Mechanism of Action: The vaccine utilizes genetic material from a patient’s tumour to produce specific antigens, prompting the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Developed by the Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, preclinical studies have indicated the vaccine’s potential to suppress tumour growth and prevent metastasis.
This initiative aligns with global efforts to harness mRNA technology for cancer treatment, with various mRNA cancer vaccines currently undergoing clinical trials worldwide.
Russia’s plan to provide the vaccine free of charge could enhance accessibility to advanced cancer treatments, potentially improving patient outcomes.

What is mRNA?

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a single-stranded RNA essential for protein synthesis.
It is synthesized from DNA during transcription.
Role of mRNA: Transports genetic information from DNA in the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Helps the cellular machinery translate codons (three-base sequences) into amino acids for protein production.
Acts as a mediator between the DNA code and the cellular mechanisms responsible for protein synthesis.

About mRNA Vaccines:

Introduce a segment of mRNA corresponding to a specific viral protein (often a protein from the virus’s outer membrane).
Mechanism:
- Cells produce the viral protein based on the mRNA instructions.
- The immune system identifies this protein as foreign and generates antibodies.
- Antibodies remain in the body to provide long-term immunity.
- Antibodies recognize and bind to the virus if exposed in the future, marking it for destruction before it causes illness.
- The vaccine does not contain the live virus, so it cannot infect the recipient.

How mRNA Vaccines Are Made:

Target Protein Identification: Scientists identify a unique viral protein that triggers an immune response (different from the body’s proteins).
DNA to mRNA Conversion: The DNA coding for the target protein is used to synthesize the mRNA.
Purification: After producing the mRNA, the DNA is broken down to ensure only the mRNA is included in the vaccine.