Health
mRNA adjuvant boosts T-cell response in preclinical cancer and vaccine study
Researchers at MIT, Harvard, and the University of Houston developed a lipid nanoparticle-delivered adjuvant that enhanced immune responses in animal models.
The short version
- Scientists developed an mRNA-encoded vaccine adjuvant that switches immune cells into a more active state by targeting signaling pathways.
- In mouse trials, the adjuvant slowed tumor growth, eradicated certain tumors, and increased T-cell responses to COVID-19 and flu vaccines 10- to 15-fold.
- Researchers plan to conduct further animal model testing before potential human application for cancer and infectious disease treatments.
Key facts
- Researchers at MIT, Harvard, and the University of Houston designed an mRNA-encoded vaccine adjuvant delivered via lipid nanoparticles.[MIT Technology Review]
- In mouse models of bladder cancer, colon carcinoma, melanoma, and metastatic lung cancer, the adjuvant slowed tumor growth and eradicated some tumors.[MIT Technology Review]
- When paired with viral vaccines for influenza and COVID-19 in mice, the adjuvant increased the T-cell response by 10 to 15 times compared to standard levels.[MIT Technology Review]
- The adjuvant improved responses when combined with FDA-approved checkpoint blockade immunotherapies.[MIT Technology Review]
What remains uncertain
- The safety and efficacy of the mRNA adjuvant in humans remain unknown, as the approach has only been evaluated in mice and requires further testing in additional animal models.[MIT Technology Review]
Sources
- Amping up T cells to target cancerMIT Technology Review metered