A recent study demonstrated that an experimental mRNA-based vaccine prevented peanut allergy in mice. The vaccine effectively induced peanut protein tolerance, reducing or preventing symptoms of allergy.

Researchers developed a lipid nanoparticle vaccine that delivered mRNA-encoded peanut allergen and administered it to mice that are prone to peanut allergy. Then they exposed the mice to peanut protein and assessed their immune response.

They found that the mRNA vaccine induced the production of T regulatory cells, a specialized type of T cells that suppress the body’s immune response. The vaccine also reduced cytokine production, antibody synthesis, and mast cell release – indicators of an allergic response.

Peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies, affecting approximately 2 percent of adults and children in the United States. Typically manifesting early in life, symptoms of peanut allergy include rashes, shortness of breath, and life-threatening anaphylaxis.

mRNA-based vaccines contain the genetic material to encode a single protein that, when injected into the body, induces antibody production against that protein – in this case, a peanut allergen. Because mRNA degrades easily, it must be encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles.

These findings suggest that an mRNA-based vaccine prevents peanut allergy in mice. Although mRNA-based vaccines have been used in clinical trials for nearly two decades, this study reflects their first use against an allergen. Learn more about mRNA vaccines in this clip featuring Dr. Roger Seheult.

• Read study abstract.