A Korean research team has, for the first time globally, elucidated the intracellular mechanisms by which mRNA vaccines function, marking a significant advancement in RNA-based therapeutics. The study, led by Professor V. Narry Kim of Seoul National University, was published in the prestigious journal Science on April 4.
While mRNA vaccine technology has gained global prominence through its application in COVID-19 vaccines, the detailed biological processes following mRNA injection into human cells have remained largely unexplored. This latest research successfully identifies key cellular proteins that either facilitate or hinder the function of therapeutic mRNA.
The team discovered that the protein TRIM25 can degrade synthetic mRNA by recognizing it as a foreign substance. Conversely, they found that the chemical modification N1-methyl-pseudouridine—commonly used in COVID-19 vaccines—prevents this degradation, thereby enhancing vaccine efficacy. This is the first time the molecular mechanism behind this effect has been clearly demonstrated.
The study also highlights the role of proton ions in promoting mRNA delivery, and suggests that the body’s immune system may treat synthetic mRNA in a manner similar to viral RNA. These findings provide new insights into how mRNA-based drugs are processed within the body and offer strategies to improve their stability and effectiveness.
Despite significant technical challenges, including the need for high-purity mRNA and precise delivery systems, the researchers successfully optimized experimental conditions and conducted large-scale gene screening using CRISPR technology.
This groundbreaking work not only deepens scientific understanding of mRNA vaccine function but also lays the foundation for the development of next-generation RNA therapies across a range of medical fields.
*Source: Korean-language press release provided by the Institute for Basic Science (IBS)