Develop mRNA vaccine with integrated adjuvant function Design highly immunogenice double-stranded RNA structure into mRNA

Dr. Satoshi Uchida, COINS member (Project Professor, Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo / Visiting Scientist, iCONM) , Dr. Keiji Itaka, Theme 4 Leader (Professor, Department of Material Biofunctions, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University / Principal Research Scientist, iCONM) and Dr. Kazunori Kataoka, COINS Research Leader (iCONM Director General / Professor, Policy Alternatives Research Institute, The University of Tokyo) have developed effective mRNA vaccination with integrated adjuvant function by designing immunostimulatory double stranded RNA into mRNA. This has been designed based on the characteristics of the mRNA vaccine from various viewpoints, and in fact, this technique significantly improved the effect of mRNA vaccine in mice.
In addition, potent immunopotentiating action was showed for human-derived immune cells.

The mRNA vaccine is administered with various additives by various routes such as subcutaneous injection, intravenous injection, oral administration, but this technology should be able to apply to almost all scene.

It is expected to contribute greatly to prevent from infectious diseases and cancer immunotherapy in the future.
The research is supported by the “Center of Innovation (COI) Program,” which is a Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)-funded project.

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