LEVERAGING THE SUCCESS OF MRNA LIPID NANOPARTICLE VACCINE IN COVID-19 TREATMENT: A NARRATIVE REVIEW ON ITS POTENTIAL APPLICATION IN MALARIA TREATMENT

Abstract

Malaria, which is caused by the Plasmodium parasite and transmitted by mosquitoes, continues to be a major global health issue. The worldwide health community continues to work toward finding a conclusive answer to the malaria problem, but it is still elusive. Developing a successful malaria vaccine has proven difficult due to the Plasmodium parasite’s complicated life cycle and ability to change and develop resistance to interventions rapidly. Amidst this backdrop, the advent of mRNA Lipid Nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP) vaccines, exemplified by their resounding success in mitigating the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, has kindled newfound hope in vaccine development. This review examines the potential of leveraging mRNA technology to induce a robust immune response, thereby potentially revolutionising the landscape of malaria prevention through the development of breakthrough malaria vaccines. The intricate interplay between the efficacy of the mRNA-LNP vaccine against COVID-19 and its prospective utility in addressing malaria is also deliberated upon.