The Differences Between mRNA and DNA Vaccines
The promise of genetic vaccines has grown in recent years, with the COVID-19 pandemic being an unexpected catalyst for the development and use of mRNA vaccines. DNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines do not require the use of a live infectious agent such as a bacteria or virus, have been shown to stimulate disease-fighting responses in T-cells and B-cells, and are more stable, less costly and easier to produce in mass quantities than traditional vaccines.
DNA (sometimes referred to as plasmid DNA) and mRNA vaccines each carry genetic instructions that direct your cells to generate a protein resembling that of a virus. This protein prompts your body to mount an immune response, enabling your immune system to combat the actual virus should you be exposed to it.
DNA Vaccines Versus mRNA Vaccines
Let’s look at a few of the key differences between these promising treatments:
- Creation
DNA exists naturally, while mRNA is made from DNA in a process called transcription.
- Storage and Transportation
Vaccines using mRNA must be handled carefully and kept very cold during transportation and storage, and they can only be removed from cold storage shortly before they’re administered. The more stable DNA vaccines, on the other hand, can be safely stored at room temperature for months. - Cell Integration
When injected, an mRNA vaccine will not become incorporated in a cell’s genetic material. With a DNA vaccine, there is a minute possibility that it can alter the DNA sequence of a cell. - Immune Response
mRNA vaccines produce a much higher immune response than DNA vaccines, as the latter must go through an added step of penetrating the cell nucleus to be effective.
- Function and Form
mRNA vaccines send the body instructions — in the form of messenger RNA — to create a protein that the body sees as foreign and then attacks. For DNA vaccines, these instructions (unsurprisingly) come in the form of DNA.
- Availability
The FDA has approved mRNA vaccines for human use, most notably the COVID-19 vaccines, and many more are in clinical trials for a variety of diseases. Very few DNA vaccines are approved for use outside of clinical trials and veterinary purposes at present.
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Sources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dna-vs-mrna-vaccines-similarities-and-differences#DNA-vs.-mRNA-vaccines:-How-they-differ
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6631684/
https://www.verywellhealth.com/rna-vs-dna-vaccine-5082285
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10384963/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/rna-vaccine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1986720/
https://www.who.int/teams/health-product-policy-and-standards/standards-and-specifications/vaccines-quality/dna
https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/messenger-rna
