mRNA stands for messenger ribonucleic acid (“messenger RNA”). The human body produces mRNA naturally and requires it in order to make vital proteins.
The mRNA contained in the vaccine provides the body with information from the coronavirus, thus allowing the body to produce viral proteins. These proteins are then recognised by the body as foreign. They trigger an immune response in the body, which prepares itself to fight the virus. In the event of contact with the virus, the body’s own defences are activated more quickly. This means that the virus can swiftly be rendered harmless and disease can be prevented.
Even though mRNA technology is not yet widely used in vaccines, research in this field has already been going on around the world for around ten years. Other mRNA vaccines have also already been tested in studies.
The vaccines from the manufacturers Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech are mRNA vaccines.
The mRNA administered with the vaccine cannot penetrate the cell nucleus and incorporate itself in the human genome (DNA/genes). Learn more about it here.