ASGCT 2021 | Exosome-based mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2

Linda Marban, PhD, Capricor Therapeutics, Beverly Hills, CA, describes ongoing research into a novel exosome-mediated, multivalent mRNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. While lipid nanoparticles have been used as drug delivery vehicles in other SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, the use of exosomes could reduce toxicity, enhance the immune response and potentially allow repeat vaccine delivery, which may be necessary in the form of vaccine boosters. The use of a multivalent approach, incorporating both a spike and nucleocapsid protein into the vaccine candidate, could also help protect against more pathogenic SARS-CoV-2 variants in the future. This interview took place during the American Society for Cell & Gene Therapy 24th Annual Meeting 2021.