mRNA vaccine yields full protection against malaria in mice

WRAIR scientists and partners developed an mRNA vaccine that protects against malaria in animal models. Malaria remains a large public health and economic burden worldwide as well as a danger to deployed Service Members. This vaccine uses mRNA accompanied by a lipid nanoparticle to prompt cells to code for circumsporozoite protein, which then triggers an immune response against malaria. The vaccine achieved high levels of protection in mice, encouraging further development for the novel platform.