Australian study shows potential of new mRNA vaccine to help fight tuberculosis

Dr Harry Al-Wassiti, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

A novel vaccine that boosts immunity against tuberculosis (TB) has been shown to be effective in pioneering pre-clinical trials.

A study into the LNP-mRNA vaccine’s effectiveness, published in eBioMedicine, was led by researchers from the Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute at University of Sydney, the Centenary Institute and the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS) at Monash University.

The study found the vaccine was effective in triggering an immune defence response which helped to destroy cells infected with TB. When used as a booster in BCG-vaccinated mice, the vaccine significantly improved long-term protection against TB compared to mice that had only received a BCG.

The vaccine used mRNA technology, which is where genetic instructions, as opposed to a weakened or deadened version of a virus, are used to trigger an immune response in the body.

Senior author Professor Jamie Triccas, Deputy Director of the Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, said: “Our findings demonstrate that an mRNA vaccine can induce potent, pathogen-specific immune responses that target TB, a disease that has long evaded effective vaccine development. This represents a major advance in TB vaccine research and provides a strong rationale for further clinical development.”

Professor Colin Pouton from MIPS, a key contributor to the study, explained: “The success of mRNA vaccines in the COVID-19 pandemic underscored their ability to generate strong immune responses. Our study provides evidence that this platform can be harnessed for TB, potentially improving protection and durability of immunity in a way that traditional vaccines cannot.”

Dr Harry Al-Wassiti from MIPS, also a key contributor to the study, said these findings further validate the immense potential of mRNA to transform how we treat a range of diseases.

Read the full article here.