Why Research on mRNA Vaccine Worth a 'Nobel Prize'?

Image Credit - Nobelprize.org

Introduction to the blog

Why Research on mRNA Vaccine Worth a Nobel Prize: We’ve seen that, recently the Nobel Prize Winner List 2023 was released. Also, in the subject of Physiology and Medicine (One of the Subjects and subjects on Nobel Prizes Distributed) Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman won the Nobel Prize 2023.

But, the thing we need to put into our consideration is that, they have won the Nobel Prize on Physiology and Medicine 2023 for their research on the mRNA vaccine which helped Humankind to fight the deadly COVID-19 Virus & its multiple variants.

Is it worth giving the Nobel Prize to them? Was then really needed? We’ll discuss it in this blog and also provide you a broad understanding of why the Nobel Prize on Physiology and Medicine 2023 was given to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman & why it was needed.

So, let’s start-

 

What is Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine?

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is one of the Nobel Prizes established by the will of Alfred Nobel in 1895. It is awarded annually by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences to scientists who have made significant contributions to the field of medical science or physiology.

The prize recognizes outstanding discoveries that have advanced our understanding of life processes and improved human health. The laureates receive a medal, a diploma, and a monetary award.

 

 

Who is Katalin Karikó?

Katalin Karikó, also known as Kati Kariko, was born on January 17, 1955, in Szolnok, Hungary. She holds dual citizenship in Hungary and the United States.

Karikó is a highly acclaimed biochemist known for her pioneering work in mRNA technology, particularly its applications in immunology and therapies.

Karikó pursued her education at the University of Szeged, earning her Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in biology in 1978 and her Ph.D. in biochemistry in 1982.

She initially worked as a researcher at the University of Szeged and later moved to the United States to join Temple University. Over the course of her scientific career, Karikó spent more than two decades as a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, where she faced numerous challenges, including demotion and lack of support.

Despite the obstacles, Karikó's determination and groundbreaking research on mRNA technologies led to the development of effective mRNA vaccines, which played a crucial role in the global fight against COVID-19.

For her significant contributions to science and medicine, Karikó received the prestigious Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2023, among several other awards.

Her scientific career spans institutions such as the University of Szeged, Temple University, the University of Pennsylvania, and BioNTech.

 

 

Who is Drew Weissman?

Drew Weissman is an American physician, immunologist, and prominent figure in RNA biology. Born on September 7, 1959, in Lexington, Massachusetts, Weissman has made significant contributions to the development of mRNA vaccines, most notably those for COVID-19 produced by BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna.

He holds the position of Roberts Family Professor in Vaccine Research, director of the Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, and professor of medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

Weissman's work, in collaboration with biochemist Katalin Karikó, has been pivotal in developing effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19. Their groundbreaking research concerning nucleoside base modifications in mRNA earned them the prestigious Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2023.

In addition to the Nobel Prize, Weissman has received several other awards, including the Lasker–DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award, and was elected to the National Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2022.

Weissman's journey in science began with his B.A. and M.A. degrees from Brandeis University, where he majored in biochemistry and enzymology.

He then went on to complete his M.D. and Ph.D. at Boston University, followed by residency and fellowship programs. His work continues to shape the field of immunology and the development of life-saving vaccines.

 

 

About mRNA Vaccine & its importance

mRNA vaccines represent a groundbreaking development in the fight against COVID-19. Unlike traditional vaccines that use live, attenuated, or inactivated viruses or bacteria, mRNA vaccines introduce a piece of genetic material that corresponds to a viral protein, usually the spike protein found on the virus's membrane.

This triggers the immune system to produce antibodies without exposing individuals to the virus itself. Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman's work on nucleoside base modifications enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines.

They addressed challenges such as mRNA's fragility by encapsulating it in a layer of oily lipids, creating lipid nanoparticles that protect the mRNA from degradation and mimic how a virus presents itself to the body.

Advantages of mRNA Vaccines

A significant advantage of mRNA vaccines is their adaptability. Because they only require the genetic code, they can be quickly updated to address emerging variants of a virus. This flexibility proved essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing for the rapid development of vaccines by companies like Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech.

 

 

What would have happened if there were no mRNA Vaccine?

If there were no mRNA vaccines, the global response to COVID-19 would have been significantly impacted. Traditional vaccine development methods generally take longer, so the availability of effective vaccines would have been delayed.

This could have resulted in more widespread infection, increased mortality rates, and prolonged economic and social disruptions.

The absence of mRNA vaccines would also have limited the ability to quickly adapt to emerging variants of the virus, potentially prolonging the pandemic and increasing the challenge of achieving widespread immunity.

 

 

How mRNA Vaccine Fought to COVID-19 Virus?

mRNA vaccines played a crucial role in the fight against the COVID-19 virus by leveraging a novel approach to vaccine development. Unlike traditional vaccines, mRNA vaccines do not use live, attenuated, or inactivated viruses.

Instead, they introduce a piece of genetic material, specifically messenger RNA (mRNA), that corresponds to a viral protein, typically the spike protein found on the virus's membrane.

Upon administration, the mRNA enters the cells of the recipient, instructing them to produce the viral protein.

This triggers the immune system to recognize the protein as foreign, initiating an immune response that includes the production of antibodies.

If the individual is later exposed to the actual virus, the immune system is primed to recognize and fight it effectively.

 

 

Why is mRNA Vaccine Better Than traditional Vaccines for COVID-19

mRNA vaccines have several advantages over traditional vaccines for COVID-19. We have listed a few of them below:

1.       Speed of Development: mRNA vaccines can be developed faster than traditional vaccines because they are based on the genetic code of the virus, which can be quickly synthesized.

2.       Adaptability: mRNA vaccines can be easily updated to address new variants of the virus, making them more flexible in responding to an evolving pandemic.

3.       Safety: mRNA vaccines do not use live virus, so there is no risk of causing disease in the vaccinated individual.

4.       Strong Immune Response: mRNA vaccines have shown to induce a robust immune response, generating both antibodies and T-cell responses, which can provide more comprehensive protection.

5.       Fewer Side Effects: mRNA vaccines have generally shown fewer side effects compared to traditional vaccines.

6.       No Adjuvants Needed: mRNA vaccines do not require adjuvants, which are substances added to vaccines to enhance the immune response.

7.       Cold Storage: mRNA vaccines can be stored at refrigerator temperatures for a certain period, making distribution easier than initially thought.

8.       No Risk of Integration: mRNA vaccines do not integrate into the host genome, so there is no risk of genetic alterations.

9.       Production Scalability: mRNA vaccines can be produced on a large scale using cell-free systems, which can be easier and faster than traditional vaccine production methods.

10.   Potential for Future Applications: The technology used in mRNA vaccines could be applied to other diseases and conditions, opening up new possibilities for future vaccines and therapies.

 

 

Difference between mRNA vaccine and traditional vaccine - mRNA vaccine vs traditional vaccine COVID

We have listed the Key Differences between mRNA Vaccine and Traditional Vaccine Below:

Feature	mRNA Vaccine	Traditional Vaccine
Development Speed	Faster development based on genetic code	Slower development using live, attenuated, or inactivated viruses
Adaptability	Easily updated for new variants	More challenging to update for new variants
Immune Response	Robust immune response with both antibodies and T-cell responses	Primarily antibody response; T-cell response may vary
Safety	No live virus used, reducing risk of disease	Risk of disease varies depending on vaccine type
Side Effects	Generally fewer side effects	Side effects may be more common
Adjuvants	No adjuvants needed	Adjuvants may be required to enhance immune response
Storage Requirements	Initially required ultra-cold storage, but now can be stored at refrigerator temperatures for a period	Generally easier storage conditions
Genome Integration	No risk of integration into the host genome	No risk of integration into the host genome (for most traditional vaccines)
Production Scalability	Scalable production using cell-free systems	Traditional production methods may be less scalable
Future Applications	Potential for applications to other diseases	Limited to the diseases targeted by the vaccine

 

 

 

Advantages and disadvantages of mRNA vaccines

Advantages of mRNA Vaccines

1.       Rapid Development: mRNA vaccines can be developed faster than traditional vaccines because they rely on the genetic code of the virus.

2.       Strong Immune Response: mRNA vaccines induce a robust immune response, generating both antibodies and T-cell responses, providing comprehensive protection.

3.       Adaptability: mRNA vaccines can be easily updated to address new variants of a virus, making them more flexible in responding to an evolving pandemic.

4.       Safety: mRNA vaccines do not use live virus, so there is no risk of causing disease in the vaccinated individual.

5.       Broader Applications: The technology used in mRNA vaccines could be applied to other diseases and conditions, opening up new possibilities for future vaccines and therapies.

 

Disadvantages of mRNA Vaccines

1.       Storage Requirements: mRNA vaccines initially required ultra-cold storage, although this has improved over time.

2.       Limited History: mRNA vaccines have a shorter history compared to traditional vaccines, so long-term effects are still being studied.

3.       Public Perception: Some people may have concerns or skepticism about the new technology used in mRNA vaccines.

4.       Cost: The production and distribution of mRNA vaccines may be more expensive than traditional vaccines.

5.       Immune Reaction: Although rare, mRNA vaccines may cause more side effects in certain individuals compared to traditional vaccines.

 

 

How do traditional vaccines work

Traditional vaccines work by introducing a weakened, inactivated, or partial form of a virus or bacteria to the body. This stimulates the immune system to recognize and mount a defense against the pathogen without causing the actual disease.

There are different types of traditional vaccines, such as inactivated vaccines, live attenuated vaccines, and subunit or recombinant vaccines, which use various parts of the pathogen.

By exposing the body to a harmless version of the pathogen, traditional vaccines help the immune system build memory and provide immunity against future infections with the actual virus or bacteria.

 

 

FAQ’s related to Nobel Prize on mRNA Research

Question-1: What is the Nobel Prize?

Answer. The Nobel Prize is a set of international awards bestowed annually in several categories, including Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, and Peace. They were established by the will of Alfred Nobel, a Swedish chemist, engineer, and inventor who is best known for inventing dynamite.

Question-2: What is the meaning of the Nobel Prize?

Answer. The Nobel Prize is awarded to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to humanity in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, Peace, and Economic Sciences.

Question-3: What are the categories of the Nobel Prize?

Answer. The Nobel Prizes are awarded in six categories: Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, Peace, and Economic Sciences.

Question-4: What are the subjects of the Nobel Prize?

Answer. The subjects of the Nobel Prize include Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, Peace, and Economic Sciences.

Question-5: What is the Nobel Peace Prize?

The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the six Nobel Prizes and is awarded to individuals, organizations, or movements that have made significant contributions to peace efforts.

Question-6: Who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2023?

Answer. Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman have won the Nobel Prize 2023 in Physiology or Medicine.

Question-7: Where can I find a list of All Nobel Prize winners?

Answer. You can find a list of Nobel Prize winners on the official Nobel Prize website at www.nobelprize.org

Question-8: Why is the mRNA vaccine more effective?

Answer. The mRNA vaccine is considered more effective due to its ability to induce a strong immune response, generating both antibodies and T-cell responses. It is also adaptable and can be easily updated for new variants of a virus.

Question-9: Why is the mRNA vaccine better?

Answer. The mRNA vaccine is considered better due to several reasons including its rapid development, strong immune response, adaptability, safety, and the potential for applications to other diseases.

Question-10: Why was the mRNA vaccine developed?

Answer. The mRNA vaccine was developed to provide a new method of vaccination that is faster to produce and more adaptable to changes in viruses, such as emerging variants.

 

Question-11: What is Nobel Prize Winner List 2023?

Answer. The Nobel Prize Winner List for 2023 includes the following laureates across various categories:

1.       Nobel Prize in Physics: Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz, and Anne L’Huillier "for experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses of light for the study of electron dynamics in matter.”

2.       Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine: Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman "for their discoveries concerning nucleoside base modifications that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19.”

3.       Nobel Prize in Chemistry: Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus, and Alexei I. Ekimov "for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots.”

4.       Nobel Prize in Literature: Jon Fosse "for his innovative plays and prose which give voice to the unsayable.”

5.       Nobel Peace Prize: Narges Mohammadi "for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all.”

6.       The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 2023: Claudia Goldin "for having advanced our understanding of women’s labor market outcomes.”

 

Question-12: Who won the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and for what discovery?

Answer. In 2023, Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their groundbreaking work on nucleoside base modifications that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19.

Question-13: Who were the 2022 Nobel Prize winners in Physiology or Medicine and what was their contribution?

Answer. In 2022, Svante Pääbo received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his significant discoveries concerning the genomes of extinct hominins and their impact on human evolution.

Question-14: Who received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2021 and for what research?

Answer. David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian were honored with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2021 for their discoveries of receptors for temperature and touch.

Question-15: Which individuals won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2020 and what was the achievement?

Answer. The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2020 was awarded to Harvey J. Alter, Michael Houghton, and Charles M. Rice for the discovery of the Hepatitis C virus.

Question-16: Who were the winners of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and for what reason?

Answer. William G. Kaelin Jr, Sir Peter J. Ratcliffe, and Gregg L. Semenza won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2019 for their discoveries of how cells sense and adapt to oxygen availability.

Question-17: Which researchers received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2018 and what was their contribution?

Answer. James P. Allison and Tasuku Honjo were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2018 for their discovery of cancer therapy by inhibition of negative immune regulation.

Question-18: Who won the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and what was their discovery?

Answer. Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young were honored with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2017 for their discoveries of molecular mechanisms controlling the circadian rhythm.

Question-19: Which scientists won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2016 and for what?

Answer. The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2016 was awarded to David J. Thouless, F. Duncan M. Haldane, and J. Michael Kosterlitz for their theoretical discoveries of topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter.

Question-20: Who were the winners of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015 and what was their contribution?

Answer. William C. Campbell and Satoshi Ōmura received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015 for their discoveries concerning a novel therapy against infections caused by roundworm parasites.

Question-21: Who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2014 and for what?

Answer. John O’Keefe, May-Britt Moser, and Edvard I. Moser were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2014 for their discoveries of cells that constitute a positioning system in the brain.

Question-22: Who were the recipients of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2013 and what was their discovery?

Answer. James E. Rothman, Randy W. Schekman, and Thomas C. Südhof won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2013 for their discoveries of machinery regulating vesicle traffic, a major transport system in our cells.

Question-23: Which scientists won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2012 and for what?

Answer. Sir John B. Gurdon and Shinya Yamanaka were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2012 for the discovery that mature cells can be reprogrammed to become pluripotent.

Question-24: Who were the winners of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2011 and what was their discovery?

Answer. Bruce A. Beutler and Jules A. Hoffmann received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2011 for their discoveries concerning the activation of innate immunity.

Question-25: Who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2010 and for what?

Answer. Robert G. Edwards was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2010 for the development of in vitro fertilization.

Question-26: Which researchers won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1998 and for what discovery?

Answer. The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1998 was awarded to Robert F. Furchgott, Louis J. Ignarro, and Ferid Murad for their discoveries concerning nitric oxide as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system.

Question-27: Who were the winners of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1995 and what was their contribution?

Answer. Edward B. Lewis, Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard, and Eric F. Wieschaus received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1995 for their discoveries concerning the genetic control of early embryonic development.

Question-28: Who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1991 and what was their discovery?

Answer. Erwin Neher and Bert Sakmann were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1991 for their discoveries concerning the function of single ion channels in cells.

Question-29: Who were the winners of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1976 and what was their discovery?

Answer. Baruch S. Blumberg and D. Carleton Gajdusek received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1976 for their discoveries concerning new mechanisms for the origin and dissemination of infectious diseases.

Question-30: Who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1974 and for what?

Answer. Albert Claude, Christian de Duve, and George E. Palade were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1974 for their discoveries concerning the structural and functional organization of the cell.

Question-31: Which scientists won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1973 and what was their discovery?

Answer. Karl von Frisch, Konrad Lorenz, and Nikolaas Tinbergen received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1973 for their discoveries concerning the organization and elicitation of individual and social behavior patterns.

Question-32: Who were the winners of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1972 and what was their contribution?

Answer. Gerald M. Edelman and Rodney R. Porter were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1972 for their discoveries concerning the chemical structure of antibodies.

Question-33: Who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1970 and for what?

Answer. Sir Bernard Katz, Ulf von Euler, and Julius Axelrod received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1970 for their discoveries concerning the humoral transmitters in the nerve terminals and the mechanism for their storage, release, and inactivation.

Question-34: Who were the winners of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945 and what was their discovery?

Answer. Sir Alexander Fleming, Ernst Boris Chain, and Sir Howard Walter Florey won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945 for the discovery of penicillin and its curative effect in various infectious diseases.