Rebecca M. Legere, DVM, MS, DACVIM (LA): No financial relationships to disclose
Presentation Description / Summary: Vaccines and therapeutics using in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA hold enormous potential for human and veterinary medicine. Recent developments in mRNA construct design and delivery have generated opportunities for solving challenges in veterinary internal medicine, particularly with control of infectious diseases. First, a general review of the fundamentals of mRNA therapeutics will be presented focusing on the role of mRNA in passive and active immunization, particularly for veterinary species. Application of these principles will be highlighted through discussion of our research focused on IVT mRNA for prevention of respiratory diseases, primarily Rhodococcus equi. This will include aerosolized mRNA-encoded monoclonal antibodies for passive immunization of newborn foals, as well as design and immunogenicity of a mRNA vaccine candidate for active immunization of neonatal foals. The workflow and approaches for mRNA design for this project should be of broad interest to attendees concerned with designing vaccines for other microbial pathogens of a variety of veterinary species.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will be able to understand the fundamentals of mRNA therapeutics for passive and active immunization, with special focus on veterinary species.
Upon completion, participants will be able to understand the potential benefits and limitations of aerosolized mRNA for immunoprophylaxis, with special focus on Rhodococcus equi.
Upon completion, participants will be able to understand the potential benefits and limitations of mRNA vaccinations for respiratory diseases in veterinary species, with special focus on Rhodococcus equi.
