Reference:
Banoun, H. (2023). mRNA: gene therapy or vaccine? SAVIMS (South Africa Vaccine Injury Medicolegal Study Group).
Summary:
Hélène Banoun’s article delves into the intricate nature of mRNA vaccines, positioning them within the broader context of gene therapy. She explains the dual role of RNA viruses, particularly coronaviruses, in infecting host cells and highlights the immune system’s adaptive and innate responses. Banoun critiques the classical view of antibody function, discussing the phenomenon of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) and its implications for viral infections, especially concerning COVID-19. The article traces the historical evolution of vaccines, from live attenuated viruses to modern mRNA vaccines, emphasising the immune response’s complexity, which includes T cells and innate immunity. Banoun argues that mRNA vaccines should be classified as gene therapy products due to their mechanism of action and regulatory discrepancies. She raises critical questions about the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines, calling for more stringent regulations similar to those applied to gene therapies. The piece concludes with a call for a reevaluation of how mRNA-based products are regulated, given their unique characteristics and the population they serve.