Pathology

Disease

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Infectious disease (medical specialty)

Biology

Pandemic

Outbreak

Virology

2019-20 coronavirus outbreak

Computer science

Computational biology

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)

Medicine

Journal of Molecular Virology and Immunology

Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) gene expression and vaccine technology has certain advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional vaccine methods (live attenuated, inactive, protein subunit) and new generation systems (DNA-deoxyribonucleic acid-and viral vectors).mRNA vaccines have a design advantage since the expression system needs to cross a single barrier (cell membrane) and reach the ribosomes, also there is no risk of insertional mutagenesis in these vaccines.The transient expression of mRNA systems minimizes the additional risks associated with the antigen produced.One of the most important disadvantages of mRNA expression systems is that RNA is not a stable molecule and generally cold storage and transport conditions are required for these vaccines.Various techniques (cap systems, sequence optimization, modified nucleosides) have been developed to increase the in-vitro and in-vivo stability of the mRNA molecule and to stealth from cellular sensors of innate immunity.Its rapid design and scalable production compared to traditional vaccines and high immunogenic activity with low dose vaccination make these vaccines particularly powerful tools in response to epidemics (as in the current Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2, pandemic).Antigen production and presentation similar to natural conditions enables these vaccines to successfully activate the cellular and humoral pathways of the immune system.In clinical studies, it is evaluated that mRNA vaccines targeting various infectious diseases and cancers are generally safe and well tolerated, however the data to be obtained from millions of people vaccinated during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic will provide the opportunity to compare the effectiveness and safety of this system with other vaccine platforms.mRNA molecules can be delivered to cells naked or in nanoparticle carriers.There are risks of toxicity and allergic reactions to some carrier particles, as well as concerns that these vaccines may cause autoimmune reactions, therefore, possible risks for all components in the vaccine content should be examined with comprehensive study data and the safety profile of vaccines should be revealed through follow-up studies that present long-term results.Despite the low frequency, since there is a risk of anaphylactic reaction after vaccination, necessary materials and equipment should be available in places where the vaccine is administered, and the vaccinating team should be aware of this issue and keep the vaccinated individuals under follow-up for a while.

An Overview of the Safety Profile, Advantages and Disadvantages of mRNA Based Vaccines in the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic