Muodiaju Joan C, Madu Chidinma S
Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA.
Health Sciences, Duke University Health System, Durham, USA.
Cureus. 2025 May 26;17(5):e84821. doi: 10.7759/cureus.84821. eCollection 2025 May.
The rapid emergence and evolution of infectious pathogens, including the COVID-19 pandemic and recurring influenza outbreaks, underscore the need for universal vaccines capable of providing broad-spectrum immunity. Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine technology has emerged as a transformative platform due to its rapid development, high immunogenicity, and adaptability to new variants. Unlike conventional vaccines, which rely on weakened or inactivated pathogens, mRNA vaccines instruct host cells to produce antigens that elicit robust immune responses. This paper explores the design principles, mechanisms of action, and advancements in mRNA-based universal vaccines, emphasizing their potential against influenza, coronaviruses, and antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. We discuss innovations such as self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA), nanoparticle-based delivery systems, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven antigen selection. Additionally, challenges such as antigenic variability, immune evasion, stability issues, and global distribution barriers are addressed. With continued research and development, mRNA-based universal vaccines could play a critical role in pandemic preparedness and global health security.
包括新冠疫情和反复出现的流感疫情在内的传染性病原体的迅速出现和演变，凸显了开发能够提供广谱免疫的通用疫苗的必要性。信使核糖核酸（mRNA）疫苗技术因其快速发展、高免疫原性以及对新变种的适应性，已成为一个变革性平台。与依赖减毒或灭活病原体的传统疫苗不同，mRNA疫苗指导宿主细胞产生能引发强烈免疫反应的抗原。本文探讨了基于mRNA的通用疫苗的设计原则、作用机制和进展，重点介绍了它们针对流感、冠状病毒和抗菌药物耐药病原体的潜力。我们讨论了自我扩增mRNA（saRNA）、基于纳米颗粒的递送系统和人工智能（AI）驱动的抗原选择等创新技术。此外，还讨论了抗原变异性、免疫逃逸、稳定性问题和全球分配障碍等挑战。随着研发工作的持续进行，基于mRNA的通用疫苗可能在大流行防范和全球卫生安全方面发挥关键作用。
