Therapeutic mRNA vaccine applications in oncology

Mol Ther. 2025 Jun 4;33(6):2610-2618. doi: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2025.04.044. Epub 2025 May 6.

Abstract

The emergence of mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases has heralded development for a slew of other indications, including cancer. Lipid particle delivery vehicles can protect RNA from degradation and promote delivery to intended targets in vivo. In this mini-review, we discuss mRNA vaccine mechanisms and capacity for enhancement followed by progress to date in the clinical development of mRNA cancer vaccines and implications of mRNA localization patterns and biologic response correlates. These advances position emerging mRNA biotechnologies for success against personalized diseases such as cancer.

Keywords: autoimmunity; cancer; immunopathology; immunotherapy; mRNA vaccines; tolerance.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cancer Vaccines* / genetics
  • Cancer Vaccines* / immunology
  • Cancer Vaccines* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / immunology
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • RNA, Messenger* / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger* / immunology
  • mRNA Vaccines* / genetics
  • mRNA Vaccines* / immunology
  • mRNA Vaccines* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Cancer Vaccines
  • mRNA Vaccines
  • RNA, Messenger