Vacunas de ARN mensajero: Ventajas, riesgos y funcionamiento en La Mesa de Científicos

Vaccines and mRNA Technology: Understanding the Concerns

Introduction to mRNA Vaccines

• The discussion centers on the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, which are key players in the global COVID-19 immunization effort, utilizing a novel messenger RNA (mRNA) technology.

• There are concerns regarding the safety of this genetic technology, with some claiming that mRNA vaccination could be considered a large-scale human experiment.

Expert Panel Introduction

• The panel includes Adriana Del Faro, a biologist specializing in vaccine studies; another Adriana from New York's Grossman School of Medicine; Rodney Colina, a cellular and molecular biology expert; and Hector Comandadas, an evolutionary genomics professor.

• The experts acknowledge numerous inquiries from the audience about the complexities surrounding vaccines.

Basic Vaccine Mechanism

• A fundamental explanation of vaccines is provided: they introduce either part or all of a microorganism to elicit an immune response without causing disease.

• Two primary immune responses are highlighted: antibody response and cellular response, both crucial for developing immune memory against pathogens.

Types of Vaccines

• Vaccines can be categorized into two main types: attenuated (live but weakened viruses) and inactivated (killed viruses), both designed to stimulate immunity without causing illness.

• New-generation vaccines include those based on nanoparticles or proteins, as well as mRNA-based vaccines like those from Pfizer and Moderna.

Genetic Material Overview

• Discussion shifts to genetic material—specifically DNA—which contains approximately 20,000 genes in humans. This genetic information is essential for protein synthesis within cells.

• The process involves transcription where DNA is converted into messenger RNA (mRNA), which then exits the nucleus to guide protein production via ribosomes.

This structured summary captures key insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Understanding mRNA Vaccines and Their Mechanism

The Role of DNA and RNA in Protein Synthesis

• The analogy of DNA as a manual: DNA serves as an instruction manual for cellular functions, where enzymes read the DNA to produce RNA.

• Transcription and translation processes: Transcription occurs in the nucleus, while translation happens in the cytoplasm, leading to protein synthesis which is crucial for biological reactions.

• Proteins' roles: Proteins act as enzymes that catalyze reactions and structural components that form cellular frameworks.

Mechanism of mRNA Vaccines

• Purpose of mRNA vaccines: These vaccines aim to instruct cells to produce a specific protein (the spike protein), which is essential for triggering an immune response against viruses.

• Spike protein's significance: The spike protein on the virus surface facilitates its entry into human cells by binding to receptors, making it a target for immune recognition.

Historical Context and Development of mRNA Technology

• Long-standing research foundation: mRNA technology has been under development for over 20 years, particularly concerning coronaviruses like SARS and MERS.

• Funding cuts impact vaccine development: Previous funding cuts after earlier coronavirus outbreaks hindered ongoing research despite warnings about future pandemics.

Immune Response Triggered by Vaccination

• Introduction of foreign proteins: Vaccines introduce messenger RNA that teaches the body to recognize viral proteins as foreign, prompting an immune response.

• Rapid activation of immunity: Following vaccination, the immune system quickly activates to produce antibodies (immunoglobulins), which block viral entry into cells.

Mechanism of Antibody Action Against Viruses

• Blocking viral entry mechanism: Antibodies function like keys blocking locks; they prevent viruses from entering cells by binding to their spike proteins.

• Prevention of active infection: By blocking virus entry, antibodies help avoid cell destruction and tissue damage associated with infections.

Understanding mRNA Vaccines and Their Development

Immune Response to Viral Particles

• The immune system is capable of eliminating viral particles that remain outside the cell, effectively "guarding the door" against infections.

Introduction to mRNA Vaccine Technology

• Recent advancements in mRNA vaccine technology have led to various projects aimed at developing vaccines for different viruses, including herpes and influenza.

• Notably, there are published studies from 2017 regarding influenza vaccines that progressed through preclinical and clinical phases, demonstrating efficacy and safety.

Efficacy and Safety of mRNA Vaccines

• Initial trials for these vaccines included animal testing followed by human trials, yielding promising results similar to current vaccines.

• The synthetic nature of mRNA allows for rapid production in large quantities, which was highlighted by a recent announcement from President Biden about securing enough doses for the entire U.S. population.

Advantages of Synthetic Vaccines

• Synthetic mRNA can be easily modified to address emerging variants of viruses quickly, countering concerns about transmissibility and immune escape. This adaptability is a significant advantage over traditional vaccine methods.

• There is a common misconception that synthetic means inferior; however, natural viruses can pose severe health risks while synthetic solutions can be safe and effective alternatives.

Personal Experiences with Vaccination

• A participant shares their vaccination experience with the Pfizer vaccine, noting high vaccination rates among healthcare workers in New York City and minimal side effects experienced post-vaccination.

• Clinical trials conducted at their workplace involved volunteers who received either the vaccine or placebo promptly after participating in the study, indicating a well-organized trial process with positive outcomes reported by participants.

Ongoing Research on Variants

• Current research efforts include sequencing new strains of COVID-19 to monitor variants like B117 from the UK, emphasizing the importance of adapting vaccines as needed based on genetic changes in circulating viruses.

COVID-19 Vaccination Insights

Overview of PCR Testing and Variants

• The discussion begins with the population of patients undergoing PCR testing in the hospital system, highlighting the emergence of new virus strains, including those from South Africa.

• Vaccines are noted to effectively protect against severe disease, with studies indicating that vaccinated individuals have lower viral loads if exposed to the virus.

Vaccine Efficacy and Transmission

• A question arises regarding whether vaccines only protect individuals or also reduce virus transmission; this is a critical point for public health.

• The conversation shifts to messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, emphasizing their genetic instructions for protein production without altering human DNA.

Safety and Genetic Modification Concerns

• It is clarified that mRNA technology has been studied for over 20 years, ensuring safety in generating immune responses without residual effects on human cells.

• The ability of mRNA vaccines to adapt quickly to emerging variants is discussed, underscoring their potential effectiveness against evolving viruses.

Mechanism of Action

• The mechanism by which these vaccines block viral entry into cells is explained using an analogy of a lock and key, illustrating how they prevent infection.

• Important points include that mRNA does not produce full viral genomes within the body, addressing concerns about vaccine-induced infections.

Addressing Risks and Misconceptions

• There are concerns about becoming genetically modified organisms through vaccination; however, scientific explanations suggest this risk is extremely low.

• Detailed mechanisms are provided on how mRNA operates within cells, reinforcing that integration into human DNA is highly improbable due to biological barriers.

Conclusion on Genetic Modification Probability

• The probability of mRNA leading to genetic modification is described as virtually nonexistent based on current biological understanding.

• Emphasis is placed on extensive genomic sequencing studies showing no evidence supporting fears of becoming genetically modified through vaccination.

Understanding RNA Viruses and Integration Mechanisms

The Nature of RNA Viruses

• Discussion on the complexity of integrating RNA viruses, such as HIV, into the human genome. Unlike coronaviruses, which are also RNA viruses, they have distinct mechanisms for integration.

Retroviruses vs. Other RNA Viruses

• Retroviruses like HIV possess unique sequences at their genome ends that facilitate integration into host DNA, a feature not present in other RNA viruses like coronaviruses.

Misconceptions About Vaccines and Integration

• Clarification that emergency vaccines do not relate to retroviral mechanisms; they lack the necessary sequences for integration into human DNA.

Historical Context of Gene Therapy

• Reference to past gene therapy trials where integrations led to side effects like leukemia due to attempts at reintroducing missing genes in infants with immunodeficiency.

Current Vaccine Technology Insights

• Emphasis on the absence of interest or mechanism for integration in current vaccine technology compared to earlier gene therapy approaches.

Specific Enzymatic Functions in Viral Integration

• Explanation of how retroviruses utilize specific enzymes (reverse transcriptase and integrase) for their unique integration processes, which are not applicable to all RNA viruses.

Evolutionary Perspective on Virus Interaction

• Insight into humanity's long history with various RNA viruses without significant genomic alterations observed over time despite frequent exposure.

Observations from Vaccine Trials

• Discussion about studies examining mRNA vaccine persistence in organisms, noting that these vaccines remain active only for a limited duration post-administration.

Duration and Stability of mRNA Vaccines

• Analysis of how long mRNA remains effective within an organism based on experimental data from animal models, indicating short-lived presence after vaccination.

Audience Concerns Regarding Vaccine Longevity

• Mention of audience inquiries about the longevity and activity duration of synthetic mRNA within humans, reflecting broader public concerns regarding vaccine safety and efficacy.

Discussion on Vaccine Design and Epigenetics

Insights on Vaccine Development

• The study reached phase 12, indicating a significant advancement in vaccine design. The interesting aspect noted is the relationship between dosage and duration of effect.

• In experiments published in scientific journals, the proportion of RNA administered to mice was much higher than what humans would receive from similar vaccines.

Understanding Epigenetics

• A discussion arose regarding epigenetics, defined as modifications to genetic material activity without altering the DNA sequence itself.

• Changes in chromatin structure can affect gene activity and may be inherited from parents to offspring; however, there is no evidence of genetic changes due to vaccines.

Public Concerns and Scientific Responses

• There is skepticism about potential epigenetic effects from vaccines, but experts assert that no evidence supports this claim.

• The emergence of new events like vaccination raises public concern; it’s reasonable for people to question the safety and efficacy of new vaccine technologies.

Scientific Evidence vs. Public Perception

• While public doubts are valid, scientific inquiries must be grounded in existing research rather than speculation about unproven hypotheses.

• Despite extensive experimentation showing no adverse genetic effects from vaccines, some remain skeptical due to misinformation or fear.

Importance of Ongoing Research

• Experts emphasize that while concerns exist, the probability of negative outcomes from vaccines is extremely low compared to risks associated with diseases they prevent.

• Comparisons were made between vaccine risks and everyday activities (e.g., crossing streets), highlighting how perceived dangers can often be exaggerated.

Clarifying Misconceptions About Epigenetics

• The term "epigenetics" has gained popularity but remains misunderstood by many; it involves changes in chromatin conformation affecting gene expression.

• Modifications such as methylation are rare and difficult; studies are ongoing regarding environmental impacts on epigenetic changes but have yet to show significant findings related to vaccines.

Future Directions in Vaccine Research

• With millions vaccinated, future studies will provide more insights into immune responses and long-term effects of vaccinations.

• Current research focuses on established hypotheses based on prior knowledge rather than speculative trends like epigenetic changes linked directly to vaccination.

Discussion on mRNA Vaccines and Related Topics

Overview of the Final Block in the Discussion

• The session is concluding with a brief pause before addressing audience questions regarding mRNA vaccines, specifically mentioning the Spicer vaccine expected to arrive in Uruguay.

Experiments and Historical Context

• A question arises about experiments involving pills with vaccines for cancer, highlighting that significant research has been conducted historically on vaccine models for various purposes.

Advancements in mRNA Technology

• The speaker emphasizes that while mRNA technology is perceived as new, it has been under development for many years. Current advancements are focused on its application against viruses in humans.

Future of Gene Therapy

• Gene therapy is becoming an increasingly important tool, not only through mRNA but also via other methods such as viral vectors. Extensive studies are being conducted in this area.

Personalized Medicine and Vaccine Efficacy

• Questions from the audience address whether certain vaccines are recommended for pregnant women and those with allergies. The discussion notes that all approved vaccines show high efficacy against severe cases and hospitalization.

Reactogenicity of Vaccines

• It’s noted that different vaccines exhibit varying levels of reactogenicity, particularly among younger individuals after their second dose. Most adverse effects reported are mild and do not require medical attention.

Allergy Considerations Post-Vaccination

• Individuals with significant allergic histories are advised to stay at vaccination sites for 30 minutes post-vaccination to monitor potential allergic reactions.

Pregnant Women and Vaccination Guidelines

• There remains uncertainty regarding vaccination during pregnancy due to challenges in recruiting pregnant participants for clinical trials. However, some vaccinated women unknowingly received the vaccine without immediate issues observed.

Current Recommendations for Pregnant Women

• As of now, there is no universal recommendation against vaccinating pregnant women; decisions should be made based on individual circumstances. In the U.S., healthcare providers may recommend vaccination unless contraindicated by specific health concerns related to pregnancy.

Conclusion on Pandemic Response

• The discussion wraps up with a personal opinion emphasizing the importance of vaccination during a pandemic situation, reflecting on serious risks faced by pregnant women infected with COVID-19.

Vaccination as a Critical Public Health Tool

Importance of Vaccination

• Vaccination is deemed absolutely critical for public health, especially for at-risk populations. It is currently the only tool available to mitigate the ongoing pandemic situation.

• The decision to vaccinate carries significant responsibility; not getting vaccinated has negative consequences on global pandemic status and individual health.

Long-term Implications of Vaccination

• Failing to vaccinate increases the chances of the virus mutating, leading to more severe long-term biological issues and complications.

• The impact of COVID-19 extends beyond immediate health concerns, causing psychological and occupational sequelae that need addressing.

Clarifying Misconceptions about Vaccines

• The discussion aims to clarify what vaccines are, their advantages, and potential risks without promoting any specific vaccine as superior.

• There is no intention to create propaganda for any vaccine; rather, it’s vital to understand their role in combating the pandemic effectively.

Addressing Virus Mutation Risks

• Increased vaccination rates reduce viral load in communities, thereby decreasing the likelihood of new variants emerging over time.

• Continuous vaccination efforts are essential as new strains may arise if population immunity remains low.

Collective Responsibility in Combating COVID-19

• Vaccination should be viewed as a collective act of responsibility among individuals to combat the pandemic together.

Acknowledgments and Expertise

• Experts contributing include Adriana del Fraile (virology), Rodney Colina (cellular biology), and Héctor Musto (evolutionary genomics), who provide insights into these discussions.