mRNA Vaccine Potency Testing

To date, a variety of mRNA vaccines for different applications are in development, thanks to the major breakthroughs (such as the development of mRNA optimization as well as mRNA delivery system) in mRNA research over the past decades. With the fast mRNA vaccine development, a specific panel of methods is needed to test for vaccine potency, involving the translational efficiency and the immunostimulatory properties of mRNA. Creative Biogene is a dedicated service provider in the field of mRNA -based drug R&D. With the available state-of-the-art facilities and highly experienced scientists, we strive to offer our customers a turn-key service for mRNA vaccine potency testing, involving in vitro and in vivo methods. We guarantee to provide the finest services and custom solutions to our worldwide customers.

Service offering

in vitro method- mRNA evaluation using cell-based systems

PBMCs-based system

After in vitro (IVT) mRNA is delivered to the host cell, it can be recognized by the cellular activated pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), such as endosomal (e.g., TLR7, TLR3) and cytoplasmic (RIG-I, MDA-5) receptors. Since human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) can express both types of receptors, they are used to test the stimulatory capacity of mRNA vaccines in vitro.

DC2.4-based system

Besides PBMCs, we also provide dendritic cell 2.4 (DC2.4), an immortalized cell line for evaluating mRNA vaccines. As one of the antigen-presenting cells (APCs), DCs can stimulate (including capture, process, and present antigens) naïve T cells, then inducing cell-mediated immunity. Moreover, the cells can induce the differentiation of regulatory T cells through the secretion of tolerogenic cytokines. Therefore, DCs get considerable attention as potential therapeutic targets as well as the most commonly used cells to test mRNA vaccines. In addition, the immortalized cell lines have the advantage of saving time and costs. Combination with fluorescence-based assays, flow cytometry as well as fluorescence microscopy, the internalization of mRNA can be tested.

in vivo method-mRNA evaluation using small animal models

Detection of mRNA expression in vivo

The intradermal and intramuscular routes have successfully been utilized in mRNA vaccines to induce strong immune responses. We can detect mRNA expression in vivo based on luciferase-encoding mRNA.

Assessing Immunogenicity of mRNA Vaccinations

We use enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine antibody titers induced upon vaccination at different time points. ELISA is robust and powerful, and has the capability to determine not only including antibodies flagging the antigen but also virus-neutralizing antibodies. In addition, we also provide intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) to analyze antigen specific T cells (e.g., CD4+ and CD8+ T cells) for further determining vaccine efficacy. Typically, under antigen specific stimulation, the intracellular cytokines contain IL-2, TNF, and so on.

Advantages of our service

• World-class technology platform
• Professional technical support
• Turn-key service
• Best after-sale service

Creative Biogene is passionate about strong customer orientation and high-quality service. We continuously challenge ourselves to remain one of the leading service providers in the field of mRNA-based drug R&D worldwide. If you are interested in our service, please contact us for more details!