mRNA vaccines and SiRNAs targeting cancer immunotherapy: challenges and opportunities

Abstract RNA-based cancer immunotherapy is promising in oncology, leveraging the immune system’s ability to target and eliminate cancer cells. This strategy primarily utilizes messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines and small interfering RNA (siRNA) to modulate the immune response, presenting a novel and adap...

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Main Authors: Zhen Lv, Yuheng Dai
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-07-01
Series:Discover Oncology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-025-03070-5
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author Zhen Lv
Yuheng Dai
author_facet Zhen Lv
Yuheng Dai
author_sort Zhen Lv
collection DOAJ
description Abstract RNA-based cancer immunotherapy is promising in oncology, leveraging the immune system’s ability to target and eliminate cancer cells. This strategy primarily utilizes messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines and small interfering RNA (siRNA) to modulate the immune response, presenting a novel and adaptable platform for cancer treatment. mRNA vaccines can encode tumor-specific antigens, stimulating robust and tailored immune responses, while siRNA can silence oncogenes, reducing tumor growth and enhancing immune recognition. Despite its potential, RNA-based immunotherapy faces several challenges. The inherent instability of RNA molecules and their susceptibility to degradation by nucleases pose significant hurdles for effective delivery. Developing delivery systems that can efficiently target tumor cells while minimizing off-target effects remains a critical challenge. Immune-related adverse events, such as cytokine release syndrome, also raise concerns about the safety and specificity of these therapies. However, advancements in RNA modification techniques, such as incorporating nucleoside analogs and developing lipid nanoparticles, have improved RNA stability and delivery efficiency. Moreover, the ability to rapidly design and produce RNA molecules allows for the customization of therapies to individual patients, offering a personalized approach to cancer treatment. In conclusion, while RNA-based cancer immunotherapy holds great promise, addressing the challenges related to RNA stability, delivery, and immune specificity is crucial. Continued research and technological innovations are essential to fully harness the therapeutic potential of RNA in oncology, offering new hope in the fight against cancer.
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spelling doaj-art-bb8acd8fd7dc4631967562f5795a500d2025-08-20T03:45:35ZengSpringerDiscover Oncology2730-60112025-07-0116111710.1007/s12672-025-03070-5mRNA vaccines and SiRNAs targeting cancer immunotherapy: challenges and opportunitiesZhen Lv0Yuheng Dai1Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of MedicineDepartment of obstetrics, Hangzhou Women’s HospitalAbstract RNA-based cancer immunotherapy is promising in oncology, leveraging the immune system’s ability to target and eliminate cancer cells. This strategy primarily utilizes messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines and small interfering RNA (siRNA) to modulate the immune response, presenting a novel and adaptable platform for cancer treatment. mRNA vaccines can encode tumor-specific antigens, stimulating robust and tailored immune responses, while siRNA can silence oncogenes, reducing tumor growth and enhancing immune recognition. Despite its potential, RNA-based immunotherapy faces several challenges. The inherent instability of RNA molecules and their susceptibility to degradation by nucleases pose significant hurdles for effective delivery. Developing delivery systems that can efficiently target tumor cells while minimizing off-target effects remains a critical challenge. Immune-related adverse events, such as cytokine release syndrome, also raise concerns about the safety and specificity of these therapies. However, advancements in RNA modification techniques, such as incorporating nucleoside analogs and developing lipid nanoparticles, have improved RNA stability and delivery efficiency. Moreover, the ability to rapidly design and produce RNA molecules allows for the customization of therapies to individual patients, offering a personalized approach to cancer treatment. In conclusion, while RNA-based cancer immunotherapy holds great promise, addressing the challenges related to RNA stability, delivery, and immune specificity is crucial. Continued research and technological innovations are essential to fully harness the therapeutic potential of RNA in oncology, offering new hope in the fight against cancer.https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-025-03070-5RNA-based immunotherapymRNA vaccinesSiRNATumor-specific antigensRNA delivery
spellingShingle Zhen Lv
Yuheng Dai
mRNA vaccines and SiRNAs targeting cancer immunotherapy: challenges and opportunities
Discover Oncology
RNA-based immunotherapy
mRNA vaccines
SiRNA
Tumor-specific antigens
RNA delivery
title mRNA vaccines and SiRNAs targeting cancer immunotherapy: challenges and opportunities
title_full mRNA vaccines and SiRNAs targeting cancer immunotherapy: challenges and opportunities
title_fullStr mRNA vaccines and SiRNAs targeting cancer immunotherapy: challenges and opportunities
title_full_unstemmed mRNA vaccines and SiRNAs targeting cancer immunotherapy: challenges and opportunities
title_short mRNA vaccines and SiRNAs targeting cancer immunotherapy: challenges and opportunities
title_sort mrna vaccines and sirnas targeting cancer immunotherapy challenges and opportunities
topic RNA-based immunotherapy
mRNA vaccines
SiRNA
Tumor-specific antigens
RNA delivery
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-025-03070-5
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AT yuhengdai mrnavaccinesandsirnastargetingcancerimmunotherapychallengesandopportunities