Modifications in an Emergency: The Role of N1-Methylpseudouridine in COVID-19 Vaccines
Kellie D. Nance, Jordan L. Meier
Abstract
The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic, has inspired one of the most efficient vaccine development campaigns in human history. A key aspect of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines is the use of the modified nucleobase N1-methylpseudouridine (m1Ψ) to increase their effectiveness. In this Outlook, we summarize the development and function of m1Ψ in synthetic mRNAs. By demystifying how a novel element within these medicines works, we aim to foster understanding and highlight future opportunities for chemical innovation.
Topics & Concepts
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Pandemic2019-20 coronavirus outbreakCoronavirusVirologyFunction (biology)Computational biologyKey (lock)BiologyMedicineComputer scienceOutbreakGeneticsComputer securityInfectious disease (medical specialty)PathologyDiseaseRNA modifications and cancerRNA and protein synthesis mechanismsRNA Interference and Gene Delivery