Year: 2026
Type: editorial
Abstract: Editorial on the Research Topic New insights in nucleic acid approaches for vaccine and biologic deliveryThe last decade has seen an unprecedented increase in the use of nucleic acid platforms, such as DNA and RNA, for vaccine and biologic delivery, culminating in the global deployment of mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic.The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded for the development of mRNA vaccine technology (1), reflecting the transformative impact of this platform on global health.Nucleic acid delivery approaches offer unparalleled advantages in terms of speed, scalability, and flexibility in antigen design, making them increasingly attractive not only for infectious diseases but also for cancer immunotherapy, autoimmune disorders, rare diseases, and therapeutic delivery.This Research Topic was launched to critically examine the current landscape and future directions of nucleic acid-based approaches for vaccine and biologic delivery.The contributions to this Research Topic include original research, comprehensive reviews, and clinical and preclinical studies, providing both mechanistic insight and translational support for nucleic acid based vaccines and therapeutics (Figure 1).Several articles in this Research Topic highlight advances in RNA vaccine optimization.For instance, Sun et al. explore a new frontier in RNA engineering by demonstrating the use of group IIC self-splicing introns for the development of circular RNA vaccines, with promising results in a mouse model of RSV.Wang et al. focus on optimizing mRNA-LNP delivery using an intradermal, needle-free injection system to induce robust cellular and humoral responses.Two contributions from ST Pharm Co. present a novel mRNA capping strategy (SmartCap ® ), which enhances mRNA stability and protein expression.Choi et al. describe the capping library screening method used to identify the cap, SC101.Next, Kim et al. demonstrate the real-world efficacy of this cap in the context of a SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine candidate.Expanding the use of the RNA platform to bacterial vaccine targets, Roier et al. report the ability of an LNP-formulated mRNA encoding uropathogenic E. coli virulence factor FimH to induce functional cellular and humoral responses in mice.The DNA landscape is also expertly represented in this Research Topic with preclinical studies of vaccines spanning cancer and infectious disease targets.Helble et al., from the Wistar Institute, describe a DNA-launched nanoparticle vaccine that targets the HPV16 E6 and E7 antigens, showing strong CD8 + T-cell responses with translational potential Frontiers in Immunology frontiersin.
Source: Frontiers in Immunology
Authors: Ebony N. Gary, David B. Weiner
Institution: The Wistar Institute
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
Funder: National Institutes of Health
OpenAlex ID: W7135216612