mRNA vaccines have emerged as a revolutionary tool to generate rapid and precise immune responses against infectious diseases and cancers. Compared with conventional vaccines such as inactivated viruses, viral vectors, protein subunits or DNA-based vaccines, mRNA vaccines stand out owing to multiple advantages, including simplicity of design, fast production, enhanced safety and high efficacy. Nevertheless, efficient and targeted delivery of mRNA molecules remains a significant challenge owing to their inherent instability and susceptibility to degradation. Nanotechnology offers innovative solutions to surmount these obstacles and amplify the potency of mRNA vaccines. This Primer aims to outline a modular approach to developing biomaterials and nanotechnology for mRNA vaccines, with a focus on particle design, formulation evaluation and therapeutic applications. We delve into the underlying mechanisms of nanoparticle-facilitated mRNA protection, cellular uptake, endosomal escape and immune stimulation. We underscore the critical parameters that impact the manufacturing and clinical implementation of nanomaterial-based mRNA vaccines. Finally, we present the current limitations and future perspectives in the advancement of nanotechnology-enhanced mRNA vaccines for broad applications in prophylactic and therapeutic interventions.

mRNA 疫苗已成为一种革命性工具，可针对传染病和癌症产生快速、精确的免疫反应。与灭活病毒、病毒载体、蛋白质亚基或DNA疫苗等传统疫苗相比，mRNA疫苗具有设计简单、生产快速、安全性高、功效高等优点。然而，由于 mRNA 分子固有的不稳定性和易降解性，有效且有针对性的递送仍然是一个重大挑战。纳米技术提供了创新的解决方案来克服这些障碍并增强 mRNA 疫苗的效力。本入门指南旨在概述开发 mRNA 疫苗生物材料和纳米技术的模块化方法，重点是颗粒设计、制剂评估和治疗应用。我们深入研究纳米颗粒促进的 mRNA 保护、细胞摄取、内体逃逸和免疫刺激的潜在机制。我们强调影响基于纳米材料的 mRNA 疫苗的制造和临床实施的关键参数。最后，我们提出了纳米技术增强的 mRNA 疫苗在预防和治疗干预中广泛应用的当前局限性和未来前景。