Self-Amplifying RNA: Advantages and Challenges of a Versatile Platform for Vaccine Development
Self-amplifying RNA is synthetic nucleic acid engineered to replicate within cells without generating viral particles. Derived from alphavirus genomes, saRNA retains the non-structural elements essential for replication while replacing the structural elements with an antigen of interest. By enabling...
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MDPI AG
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Viruses |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/4/566 |
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| author | Thomas Vallet Marco Vignuzzi |
| author_facet | Thomas Vallet Marco Vignuzzi |
| author_sort | Thomas Vallet |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Self-amplifying RNA is synthetic nucleic acid engineered to replicate within cells without generating viral particles. Derived from alphavirus genomes, saRNA retains the non-structural elements essential for replication while replacing the structural elements with an antigen of interest. By enabling efficient intracellular amplification, saRNA offers a promising alternative to conventional mRNA vaccines, enhancing antigen expression while requiring lower doses. However, this advantage comes with challenges. In this review, we highlight the key limitations of saRNA technology and explore potential strategies to overcome them. By identifying these challenges, we aim to provide insights that can guide the future design of saRNA-based therapeutics, extending their potential beyond vaccine applications. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-3551b318910941f3b23e11d38d05f398 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1999-4915 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Viruses |
| spelling | doaj-art-3551b318910941f3b23e11d38d05f3982025-08-20T02:18:11ZengMDPI AGViruses1999-49152025-04-0117456610.3390/v17040566Self-Amplifying RNA: Advantages and Challenges of a Versatile Platform for Vaccine DevelopmentThomas Vallet0Marco Vignuzzi1A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A*IDL), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138634, SingaporeA*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A*IDL), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138634, SingaporeSelf-amplifying RNA is synthetic nucleic acid engineered to replicate within cells without generating viral particles. Derived from alphavirus genomes, saRNA retains the non-structural elements essential for replication while replacing the structural elements with an antigen of interest. By enabling efficient intracellular amplification, saRNA offers a promising alternative to conventional mRNA vaccines, enhancing antigen expression while requiring lower doses. However, this advantage comes with challenges. In this review, we highlight the key limitations of saRNA technology and explore potential strategies to overcome them. By identifying these challenges, we aim to provide insights that can guide the future design of saRNA-based therapeutics, extending their potential beyond vaccine applications.https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/4/566saRNAmRNAvaccinealphaviruslimitationssafety |
| spellingShingle | Thomas Vallet Marco Vignuzzi Self-Amplifying RNA: Advantages and Challenges of a Versatile Platform for Vaccine Development Viruses saRNA mRNA vaccine alphavirus limitations safety |
| title | Self-Amplifying RNA: Advantages and Challenges of a Versatile Platform for Vaccine Development |
| title_full | Self-Amplifying RNA: Advantages and Challenges of a Versatile Platform for Vaccine Development |
| title_fullStr | Self-Amplifying RNA: Advantages and Challenges of a Versatile Platform for Vaccine Development |
| title_full_unstemmed | Self-Amplifying RNA: Advantages and Challenges of a Versatile Platform for Vaccine Development |
| title_short | Self-Amplifying RNA: Advantages and Challenges of a Versatile Platform for Vaccine Development |
| title_sort | self amplifying rna advantages and challenges of a versatile platform for vaccine development |
| topic | saRNA mRNA vaccine alphavirus limitations safety |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/4/566 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT thomasvallet selfamplifyingrnaadvantagesandchallengesofaversatileplatformforvaccinedevelopment AT marcovignuzzi selfamplifyingrnaadvantagesandchallengesofaversatileplatformforvaccinedevelopment |