Human CD4 T cells are a functional target for lipid nanoparticle-based mRNA vaccines.

ABSTRACT: Billions of mRNA-based severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vaccine doses have been administered globally and shown to be both safe and effective. However, the mechanisms by which mRNA vaccines facilitate protection remain unclear. Peripheral blood analyses from vaccinated individuals show B and T cell responses are elicited, but it remains unknown which cells contribute to particle uptake and protein expression to elicit protective immunity. Using mRNA LNP fluorescent reporters, we show that CD4 T cells are an unexpected target for LNP-based protein expression in vitro and in vivo. CD4 T cells transfected with commercial SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines are sufficient as the sole antigen producer to generate specific antibody response

SUBMITTER: Kim SC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12607866 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature