This Week in Virology TWiV 1265: mRNA vaccines make cancer treatment great again
Oct 26, 2025
Discover how SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines may enhance cancer treatment outcomes and prolong survival for patients receiving immunotherapy. The discussion delves into the mechanism of immune checkpoint inhibitors and the promising findings from recent studies. Learn how mRNA vaccines can reactivate cold tumors, offering new hope for treatment strategies. Additionally, explore how antigenic cartography could shape future influenza vaccines and pandemic preparedness while featuring unique listener anecdotes and valuable health insights.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
mRNA Vaccines Sensitize Tumors To Checkpoint Therapy
- SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination given within 100 days of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy was associated with roughly doubled median overall survival in some cancers.
- Mouse experiments show mRNA-LNPs trigger type I interferon and expand tumor-reactive CD8 T cells, sensitizing tumors to ICI.
LNP‑Delivered mRNA Drives Interferon‑Mediated Tumor Priming
- The anti-tumor effect depends on the mRNA in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) activating type I interferon pathways rather than dsRNA or RNA sequence alone.
- Blocking interferon-alpha receptor abolishes synergy, while giving interferon reproduces benefit in mice.
Platform Signal Trumps Antigen Specificity
- The encoded antigen identity is not required: a CMV‑antigen mRNA LNP reproduced the effect, suggesting the platform signal matters more than the antigen.
- Replacing modified nucleosides with uridine increased innate activation and enhanced synergy with ICI.