The concept of mRNA-based vaccines emerged more than three decades ago. Groundbreaking discoveries and technological advancements over the past 20 years have resolved the major roadblocks that initially delayed application of this new vaccine modality. The rapid development of nucleoside-modified COVID-19 mRNA vaccines demonstrated that this immunization platform is easy to develop, has an acceptable safety profile and can be produced at a large scale. The flexibility and ease of antigen design have enabled mRNA vaccines to enter development for a wide range of viruses as well as for various bacteria and parasites. However, gaps in our knowledge limit the development of next-generation mRNA vaccines with increased potency and safety. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms of action of mRNA vaccines, application of novel technologies enabling rational antigen design, and innovative vaccine delivery strategies and vaccination regimens will likely yield potent novel vaccines against a wide range of pathogens.

基于 mRNA 的疫苗的概念出现在三十多年前。过去 20 年的突破性发现和技术进步解决了最初延迟这种新疫苗模式应用的主要障碍。核苷修饰的 COVID-19 mRNA 疫苗的快速开发表明，这种免疫平台易于开发，具有可接受的安全性，并且可以大规模生产。抗原设计的灵活性和易用性使 mRNA 疫苗能够进入针对多种病毒以及各种细菌和寄生虫的开发。然而，我们的知识差距限制了具有更高效力和安全性的下一代 mRNA 疫苗的开发。更深入地了解 mRNA 疫苗的作用机制、应用新技术实现合理的抗原设计以及创新的疫苗递送策略和疫苗接种方案，可能会产生针对多种病原体的强效新型疫苗。