mRNA Vaccines: Current Applications and Future Directions

Abstract

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, as a novel class of biotherapeutics, leverage mRNA technology to instruct cells to produce specific antigens, thereby inducing an immune response. In recent years, significant progress has been made in applying these vaccines to infectious disease prevention and cancer treatment. Compared with traditional vaccines, mRNA vaccines offer high programmability, as well as greatly enhanced stability and immunogenicity, achieved through nucleotide modifications and advanced delivery systems such as lipid nanoparticles. However, many challenges remain in the design and delivery of mRNA vaccines, particularly for complex conditions like cancer. This review explores the latest advances and future prospects of mRNA vaccines in both infectious disease prevention and cancer therapy. It discusses the mechanisms of tumor immune escape and examines the potential of mRNA vaccines to overcome tumor immune resistance. The review also analyzes strategies for tumor vaccine design and the development of novel delivery systems, projecting the future role of mRNA vaccines in cancer therapy. By providing theoretical guidance and technical insights, this review aims to expand the development of mRNA vaccines across broader disease areas. It offers both a theoretical framework and a practical reference for researchers focused on infectious disease control and precision cancer immunotherapy. Ultimately, these insights will help advance the clinical application of next-generation mRNA therapeutics.