GEN-Thermo_Oct22_MakingThePromiseOf - 12

What's Next for mRNA Vaccines?
" Theoretically, AI, machine learning, and
robotic process automation (RPA) are
technologies that can help us more rapidly
catalog common familial viral elements,
predict potential variations and mutations,
and identify antigen-protein targets-all
while eliminating human error. "
[Moyo Studio/Getty Images]
fication via immunostimulants. Despite this, several
vaccine companies are experimenting with intranasal
delivery by tweaking nasal mucosal toxicity, mucoadhesion,
and pH. AstraZeneca and the Chalmers
University of Technology have initiated mRNA-based
nasal spray vaccine development against SARS-CoV-2,
where nasal vaccines make the most sense since viral
invasion happens via the nasal mucosa.
Advantages of a pill or nasal spray include reduced
patient hesitancy and increased compliance. Specific
advantages of an intranasal spray include ease of
combining vaccines, simple vaccine swapping to
accommodate variants, a combined mucosal and
systemic immune response, protection at distant
mucosal sites, and a faster onset of a strong immune
response.
GEN: What are some other ways that mRNA vaccine
technology can improve human wellbeing that you
believe hasn't yet had enough attention or curiosity?
Langer: An mRNA vaccine enables the patient to
produce proteins, but these proteins don't have to be
12 | GENengnews.com
used to stimulate the immune system to fight disease.
mRNA vaccine technology can be used to replace
missing proteins in patients suffering from inherited
metabolic disorders (of which hundreds exist, such
as phenylketonuria). These potentially debilitating
diseases are caused by an enzyme deficiency; the
body is unable to manufacture or break down certain
proteins.
Phenylketonuria (PKU) results in low levels of the
enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase, a protein that
breaks down phenylalanine. Without it, phenylalanine
builds up in the body, often to toxic levels, even
causing brain damage. Current treatment is simply
the dietary reduction of foods that contain phenylalanine
(which includes much more than you think: all
meats, milk, eggs, cheese, nuts, soy, beans, and more).
The dietary requirements are so severe as to require
supplementing with a special drink to ensure the
essential nutrients.
Similarly, an mRNA vaccine may be used to potentially
help treat depression by enabling patients to boost
their levels of serotonin or dopamine to elevate their
https://www.genengnews.com https://www.genengnews.com
GEN-Thermo_Oct22_MakingThePromiseOf

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of GEN-Thermo_Oct22_MakingThePromiseOf
