Modified mRNA technology shines! How did a dead-end researcher become a rising star?

[Rina123RS]

In 2005, Carrico and Weisman discovered (Immunity. 2005;23(2):165-175) that different RNAs in the human body can deceive immune cells through different degrees of modification without causing severe immunity. reaction. If you can have the ability to modify nucleotides (Nucleotides, the basic elements of nucleic acids), then you may be able to secretly send a specific piece of foreign RNA into cells to produce various desired proteins!

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Although this seemed like a straightforward idea, it took the two of them three years to introduce a modified section of artificial fluorescent protein mRNA into experimental mice. They found that if the uracil (U) on the mRNA was replaced with pseudouracil (Ψ), it would not be recognized by the receptors of the innate immune system. In addition to allowing the cells of the experimental mice to stably produce In addition to a large amount of fluorescent protein, it will not cause a severe inflammatory reaction.

Carrico and Weisman co-founded the biotechnology company india telegram RNARx in 2006. Carrico served as CEO for six years, developed related RNA purification technology, and received a US$1 million subsidy from the U.S. government. Hope Able to continuously develop relevant research results. However, the University of Pennsylvania once again was not optimistic about Carrico's research and directly sold the patent for this technology. The entire plan was shattered before more clinical trials could be conducted.

It wasn't until he met Dr. Weismann by chance, who generously shared part of the research funds with Carrico, to help Carrico tide over the low point, that the research finally made a major breakthrough. Dr. Weisman is a doctor of medicine with a background in biochemistry. He received guidance from Anthony Fauci, the "Commander in Chief of the COVID-19 Epidemic" in the United States and the former Chief Medical Advisor to the President, which initiated his strong interest in immunology. Weisman came to the University of Pennsylvania in 1997 and established his own laboratory. He has published many papers on vaccine research on influenza, herpes and HIV, so the two have collaborated for decades.