Advancing Cancer Immunotherapy: The Potential of mRNA Vaccines As a Promising Therapeutic Approach

Abstract

mRNA vaccines have long been recognized for their ability to induce robust immune responses. The discovery that mRNA vaccines may also contribute to antitumor immunity has made them a promising therapeutic approach against cancer. Recent advances in understanding of immune system are precious in developing therapeutic strategies that target pathways involved in tumor survival and progression, leading to the most reliable therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment history. Among all traditional cancer treatments, cancer immunotherapies are less toxic and more effective, even in advanced or recurrent stages of cancer. Recent advancements in genomics and machine learning algorithms give new insight into vaccine development. mRNA vaccines are designed to interfere with stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes pathways, activating more CD8+ T-cells involved in destroying tumor cells and inhibiting tumor growth. A stronger immune response can be achieved by incorporating immunological adjuvants alongside mRNA. Nonformulated or vehicle-based mRNA vaccines, when combined with adjuvants, efficiently express tumor antigens through antigen-presenting cells and stimulate both innate and adaptive immune responses. Codelivery with additional immunotherapeutic agents, such as checkpoint inhibitors, further enhances the efficacy of mRNA vaccines. This article focuses on the current clinical approaches and challenges to consider when developing mRNA-based vaccine technology for cancer treatment. � 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.