DNA Origami Vaccines Show Promise as Next-Generation Alternative to mRNA
A next-generation DNA origami vaccine platform called DoriVac could overcome key limitations of mRNA vaccines while being easier to manufacture and distribute, according to research from the Wyss Institute at Harvard.
mRNA vaccines saved millions of lives during COVID-19 but have limitations like waning immunity and complex production. Scientists are now testing DoriVac, which uses folded DNA nanostructures to better control how the immune system responds.
In early studies, DoriVac produced strong antibody and T cell responses in both mice and human models. Researchers say it could lead to more stable, easier-to-manufacture vaccines for diseases like COVID-19, HIV, and Ebola.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought mRNA vaccines into the global spotlight. Researchers estimated through modeling that these vaccines prevented at least 14.4 million deaths worldwide during their first year.
Ongoing clinical trials are targeting influenza virus, RSV, HIV, Zika, Epstein-Barr virus, and tuberculosis bacteria. Studies have revealed important limitations of mRNA vaccines, pointing to the need for new vaccine strategies.
Key advantages of DNA origami vaccines:
The platform originated from cancer vaccine work at the Wyss Institute but pivoted to infectious disease during COVID-19. The research was published in Nature Biomedical Engineering.