mRNA vaccine prompts immune system to attack cancer in mice, raising hopes for a universal cancer vaccine

Surprising finding could pave way for universal cancer vaccine - UF Health

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — An experimental mRNA vaccine boosted the tumor-fighting effects of immunotherapy in a mouse-model study, bringing researchers one step…

ufhealth.org

Surprising mouse studies at the University of Florida show that a “generic” mRNA vaccine—one not designed to target a particular cancer antigen—can supercharge immune checkpoint inhibitors and even eliminate tumors on its own. By tricking the immune system into behaving as if it’s fighting a virus (boosting PD-L1 expression in tumors), Elias Sayour’s team saw strong antitumor responses in melanoma, skin, bone and brain cancer models. This approach builds on their earlier glioblastoma trial and hints at an off-the-shelf, universal cancer vaccine.

Next steps are refining the mRNA formula and moving into human trials. If successful, this could become a broadly applicable, low-cost way to “wake up” a patient’s immune system, either alongside existing immunotherapies or—even more exciting—on its own.