Graduate Student Oral Session (I) (English)
[O7-6]
우수논문발표상 응모자THERAPEUTIC WAY TO TREAT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE BY USING ACTIVE IMMUNOTHERAPY WITH MRNA VACCINE
발표자이소희 (서울대학교)
연구책임자이강원 (서울대학교)
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and tau tangles. While FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies like lecanemab and donanemab target Aβ, they offer only temporary effects without long-term immune memory. To overcome this, we developed an mRNA vaccine encoding Aβ antigen to induce active immunity. The mRNA, synthesized via in vitro transcription and encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), was efficiently delivered in vivo. LNPs contained ionizable lipid, DSPC, cholesterol, and PEG-lipid. In vitro assays (western blot, immunofluorescence) confirmed Aβ expression. In vivo, the vaccine was intramuscularly administered to Balb/c and 5X FAD mice. ELISA detected Aβ-specific antibodies, while elevated IFN-γ and IL-2 levels indicated cellular immune activation. These findings suggest that mRNA-based vaccination may provide a durable and preventive therapeutic strategy for AD.