How an mRNA Vaccine Teaches Your Body to Fight Rabies

This patent describes a method for creating an immune response against the rabies virus by injecting a specific messenger RNA molecule that instructs cells to produce a key rabies protein.

What it covers

This patent details a method to stimulate a protective immune response against the rabies virus. It involves administering a pharmaceutical composition containing a purified mRNA molecule (Claim 1). This mRNA molecule is engineered with specific parts: a 5′ Cap, an Open Reading Frame (ORF) that codes for the Rabies virus glycoprotein (RAV-G), and a Poly(A) sequence. The ORF is very similar (at least 95% identical) to a specific genetic sequence (SEQ ID NO: 24) for the RAV-G protein. The composition is delivered by injection, typically into a muscle or just under the skin (Claim 2, 3). For example, a person would receive an intramuscular shot containing this specially designed mRNA, and their cells would then temporarily produce the RAV-G protein, triggering an immune response without causing disease.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover rabies vaccines that use inactivated virus or live-attenuated virus, as it specifically claims a purified mRNA molecule.
• —Does not cover mRNA vaccines for rabies that do not encode the Rabies virus glycoprotein (RAV-G) or a sequence at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 24.
• —Does not cover methods of administration other than injection, such as oral vaccines or nasal sprays.
• —Does not cover mRNA compositions that lack a 5' Cap or a Poly(A) sequence, which are essential elements of the claimed mRNA molecule.
• —Does not cover mRNA vaccines for rabies that are not formulated with a cationic or polycationic compound if administered intramuscularly (Claim 15).

The clever bit

The novelty lies in the specific design of the mRNA molecule to efficiently produce the rabies glycoprotein (RAV-G) in human cells, including elements like a specific 5' Cap, a Poly(A) sequence, and potentially an increased G/C content in the ORF for better protein production, all within a lipid formulation for effective delivery.

Why it matters

Rabies is a deadly viral disease, and effective vaccines are crucial for both prevention and post-exposure treatment. This patent contributes to the development of mRNA-based vaccines, a technology that gained significant attention and validation with COVID-19 vaccines. mRNA vaccines offer advantages like rapid development and manufacturing scalability compared to traditional vaccine approaches. CureVac SE, the assignee, is a key player in advancing mRNA technology for various diseases.

Real-world examples

• 1.CureVac's investigational mRNA rabies vaccine candidates
• 2.Other mRNA vaccine platforms targeting viral glycoproteins
• 3.Future mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases