Journal of Research in Microbiology and Immunology ISSN: 3108-0952 (Online)

Authors: Dr. Aisha Mehta, Dr. Karan Patel

ABSTRACT: The emergence of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine technology represents one of the most significant breakthroughs in modern immunology and vaccinology. Unlike traditional vaccines relying on live-attenuated or protein subunits, mRNA vaccines utilize a synthetic strand of genetic material encoding an antigen, enabling in situ protein synthesis and immune activation. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the validation of this technology, demonstrating its safety, scalability, and efficacy in large populations. This paper explores the immunological basis of mRNA vaccines, their molecular design, delivery systems, and associated challenges such as stability, inflammatory response, and limited durability. Furthermore, the review highlights potential biomedical applications beyond infectious diseases, including oncology and rare genetic disorders. The future of mRNA vaccines lies in integrating synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, and next generation delivery systems to enhance global immunization and therapeutic precision.

KEYWORDS: mRNA vaccines, immunology, antigen expression, immune response, biotechnology