mRNA VACCINE

• mRNA vaccine is a type of vaccine that instructs human cells to produce proteins (such as spike protein) of a particular virus, allowing the body's immune system to recognise that virus and provide protection.

Mechanism of Action of mRNA Vaccine

• mRNA injection: The vaccine injects a synthetic form of mRNA (messenger RNA) into the body, which carries the code for a viral protein.
• Protein production: Cells use this mRNA to make a harmless spike protein of the virus.
• Immune response: The body's immune system recognises this spike protein and develops antibodies and T-cells.
• Protection: In the future, when the real virus enters the body, the immune system immediately recognises and destroys it.

Advantages of mRNA Vaccines

• Rapid development: It can be developed in less time than traditional vaccines.
• No live virus: It does not cause infection, which increases protection.
• Strong immune response: It generates both T-cell and antibody immune responses.
• Adaptable to new variants: It can be easily modified according to new variants of the virus.
• Future use: mRNA technology can also be used to treat cancer, HIV, and other diseases.

Challenges & Concerns of mRNA Vaccines

• Difficulty of storage: It needs to be stored in extremely cold conditions such as -70°C.
• Cost and distribution: This technology can be expensive and difficult to implement in low-income countries.
• Long-term effects: Since this is a new technology, more research is needed on its long-term effects.
• Misinformation: Many people have misconceptions about this technology, which can increase vaccine hesitancy.

mRNA Vaccine and India

• Research in India: India is also trying to develop mRNA vaccine. Pune-based Gennova Biopharmaceuticals has developed India's first indigenous mRNA vaccine.
• COVID-19 Vaccine: Pfizer and Moderna's mRNA vaccines were approved in India, but they were not used on a large scale due to logistics and price.
• Future prospects: Research is going on in India towards developing cheaper and more efficient mRNA vaccines.