Israeli Researchers Develop 100% Effective mRNA Vaccine Against Plague Bacteria
Israeli researchers have created an mRNA vaccine that is 100% effective against Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that causes plague, which is considered a potential bioterror weapon and has been linked to antibiotic resistance. The vaccine, which showed promising results in animals, represents a breakthrough in using mRNA technology to combat bacterial infections, as previous mRNA vaccines were only effective against viruses like COVID-19.
The announcement came from Tel Aviv University, which teamed up with the Israel Institute for Biological Research to create the mRNA-based vaccine, which is the first to protect against bacteria. In the study, the researchers showed that their mRNA vaccine provides 100% protection against pneumonic plague, a severe lung infection, which is considered the most dangerous form of the disease. The finding was reported to be in the journal Science Advances.
Professor Dan Peer, director of the Laboratory of Precision NanoMedicine at Tel Aviv University, emphasized the significance of the breakthrough, stating that the vaccine’s effectiveness against Yersinia pestis represents a major milestone in medical research. The study’s findings are particularly relevant in the context of growing concerns over antibiotic resistance and the global spread of infectious diseases.
The researchers tested the novel mRNA vaccine in animals infected with the bacteria, and the results were striking. Within a week, all unvaccinated animals died, while those vaccinated with the vaccine remained alive and healthy. The team reported that a single dose of the vaccine provided full protection after two weeks, highlighting the vaccine’s potency and efficiency.
One of the key challenges in developing a vaccine against bacteria is that traditional methods have not been as effective as those used for viruses. However, the researchers utilized a novel approach by combining bacterial proteins with a section of human protein to enhance the vaccine’s stability and ensure that the bacterial proteins did not disintegrate too quickly inside the body. This innovative method has enabled the creation of a significant immune response, as noted by the research team.
Dr. Edo Kon, a co-lead researcher from Tel Aviv University, explained that until now, scientists believed that mRNA vaccines against bacteria were biologically unattainable. The study has proven that it is indeed possible to develop mRNA vaccines that are 100% effective against deadly bacteria. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the field of vaccine development and could lead to the rapid creation of vaccines for other bacterial diseases, including antibiotic-resistant strains.
The implications of this study extend beyond the immediate threat of plague. Dr. Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, a San Francisco biotechnology company, highlighted the broader significance of the research. He emphasized that the study demonstrates how mRNA technology can be rapidly applied to novel threat areas, which is crucial for future pandemic preparedness.
Despite the encouraging results, the researchers acknowledge that further testing is needed before the vaccine can be made available to the public. The primary limitation of the study, as noted by Professor Peer, is that the vaccine’s effectiveness was shown in mice. Therefore, the vaccine must be evaluated in clinical studies to assess its effectiveness in humans. This step is crucial in ensuring the safety and efficacy of the vaccine before it can be approved for use.
Additionally, the experimental mRNA vaccine is based on the lipid nanoparticle (LNP) mRNA vaccine platform that was recently approved for coronavirus vaccines. This platform requires cold chain logistics, which poses a challenge for widespread distribution, particularly in areas with limited access to refrigeration. However, the research team is working on optimizing the lipid formulation to enable room-temperature storage, which would greatly facilitate the transportation and administration of the vaccine.
The long-term goal of the researchers is to fast-track the development of vaccines for bacterial diseases, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. With the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, the development of new vaccines is seen as a critical strategy for combating these pathogens. Professor Peer pointed out that the quick development of the COVID-19 vaccine was based on years of mRNA research for similar viruses. This study could provide a pathway for quickly developing safe and effective mRNA vaccines for future bacterial pandemics.
The researchers also noted that the study has significant implications for public health and global security. The potential for the vaccine to be used in emergency situations and to address the threat of plague outbreaks and bioterrorism demonstrates the importance of this breakthrough. The study, supported by the European Research Council, the Israel Institute for Biological Research, and the Shmunis Family Foundation, is a step toward improving pandemic preparedness and safeguarding global health.