Prophylactic Ribonucleic Acid Vaccines to Combat RNA Viral Infections in Humans

Abstract

Vaccines have evolved as widely applicable and available prophylaxes against infectious diseases. Advances in ribonucleic acid technologies revolutionized the biopharmaceutical field of vaccine manufacturing. Numerous novel mRNA-based vaccines that have been approved by the United States and European regulatory agencies are proven to be safe and effective in preventing disease. This chapter presents the history of RNA vaccine development in the context of preventing diseases caused by RNA viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, HIV, influenza, Chikungunya, Zika, RSV, PIV, HMPV viruses, Rabies, and Ebola. Advantages, disadvantages, and challenges in mRNA vaccine engineering, delivery, and safety are discussed. The formulation, safety, long-term effectiveness, and requirements for booster immunizations are presented using data from clinical trials. The results of these clinical trials highlight important milestones, setbacks, and ultimate advancements in vaccine development. mRNA vaccines have significantly impacted public health in a relatively short time, and they demonstrate great potential in serving as clinical public health prophylaxis against current and future pandemics. Future development is likely to include polyvalent, mosaic, and strain/lineage-specific individualized vaccines.