In a significant breakthrough, Australian researchers have uncovered the reason behind common side effects associated with messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines, such as headaches and fevers. This discovery could pave the way for improving vaccine efficacy and patient experience.
A collaborative study between Melbourne’s Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity and RMIT University has provided the first detailed analysis of how mRNA vaccines circulate and degrade within the human bloodstream. Published on Thursday, the research offers valuable insights into the biological processes post-vaccination.
mRNA vaccines are engineered to remain in the lymph nodes, where they stimulate the production of antibodies to combat infections. However, the study, which analyzed 156 blood samples from 19 individuals over 28 days following an mRNA COVID-19 booster shot, found that a small amount of the vaccine enters the bloodstream.
“The extent to which the vaccine enters the bloodstream varies between individuals, which may explain some of the side effects such as fever, headache, and fatigue reported after vaccination,” explained Dr. Yi Ju, co-author of the research from RMIT University’s School of Science. “This variation in vaccine presence in the blood could trigger inflammatory responses, leading to these side effects in certain individuals.”
The first mRNA vaccines received approval for combating COVID-19 in 2020. Unlike traditional vaccines that use weakened viruses, mRNA vaccines utilize genetic instructions to prompt the body to produce a specific protein, thereby initiating an immune response. Since their inception, mRNA technology has been explored for developing vaccines and treatments for various conditions, including cancer.
The authors of the study believe that their findings offer valuable insights for enhancing mRNA vaccines. By understanding how the vaccine particles behave in the bloodstream, scientists can work towards minimizing side effects and improving the overall safety and effectiveness of these vaccines.
“Our research provides a crucial piece of the puzzle in understanding mRNA vaccine behavior,” said Dr. Ju. “This knowledge can guide the design of next-generation vaccines for safer and more effective use.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
