New research will help improve mRNA vaccines for safer and more effective use – Photo: AFP
A study led by researchers at RMIT University and the Peter Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity in Melbourne provided the first detailed analysis of how mRNA vaccines circulate and are broken down in human blood.
The study analyzed 156 blood samples from 19 people within 28 days of receiving Moderna’s boosted mRNA vaccine.
The mRNA vaccine is designed to remain in the lymph nodes to produce infection-fighting antibodies. However, research has shown that small amounts enter the bloodstream.
“The amount at which the vaccine enters the bloodstream varies from person to person, which could explain some of the side effects reported after vaccination, such as fever, headache and fatigue,” said Yi Ju, co-author of the Faculty of Science study of RMIT University, explained on the RMIT University website.
However, Mr. Ju emphasized that the amount of the vaccine that enters the blood is very small, so the mRNA vaccine is still safe and effective.
“Understanding the resulting relationship between circulating vaccine levels and these side effects will be an important area for future research,” he said.
“By understanding the biodistribution of these components, we can better inform future vaccine designs to minimize risk.
“Our study provides valuable insights into improving mRNA vaccines for safer and more effective use,” emphasized co-author Professor Stephen Kent from the Doherty Institute.
Since the announcement of the first mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, scientists have used this technology to develop vaccines and therapies for a variety of diseases, including cancer.
Unlike traditional vaccines that use weakened viruses, this mRNA vaccine uses genetic instructions to cause the body to produce a protein that triggers an immune response.
Because the vaccine can be developed quickly and adapt to new variants, it is popular in the fight against the global COVID-19 pandemic.
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