small circular RNA vaccine

The small circular RNA vaccine is a preclinical nucleic acid vaccine platform designed for cancer immunotherapy. Developed by researchers at the University of Michigan and Virginia Commonwealth University, the platform utilizes small circular RNA (circRNA) molecules, typically under 300 nucleotides, that encode specific tumor-associated peptide antigens. These circRNAs are encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for subcutaneous delivery. Unlike linear mRNA, these small circular constructs exhibit enhanced stability, reduced activation of protein kinase R (PKR), and lower cytotoxicity, allowing for sustained antigen translation for over a week. In preclinical models, the vaccine has demonstrated the ability to elicit a robust CD8+ T cell response—up to 10-fold higher than conventional mRNA vaccines—and has shown efficacy against various tumors, including melanoma, when used alone or in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Other names

small circRNA vaccinesmall circular mRNA vaccine