Scientists in Florida have created a universal mRNA vaccine that trains the immune system to destroy any cancerous tumors.

Researchers at the University of Florida have made a significant breakthrough in oncology by developing a universal experimental mRNA-based vaccine capable of reprogramming the human immune system to eliminate various types of tumors. This innovative therapy could form the basis of a new approach to cancer treatment, potentially replacing traditional methods such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.

The vaccine works similarly to mRNA vaccines for COVID‑19: mRNA molecules, enclosed in lipid nanoparticles, are delivered into the body’s cells. However, instead of coding for a viral protein, the vaccine "forces" tumor cells to express PD-L1 — a protein that normally helps tumors evade the immune system. This activates an immune response, especially when used with checkpoint inhibitors like anti-PD-1 drugs, enabling the immune system to destroy the tumor effectively.

Animal experiments showed impressive results: the vaccine destroyed treatment-resistant tumors, including melanoma, as well as tumors of the brain, skin, and bones, even without additional therapies. Developers emphasize that unlike other cancer vaccines, which either target specific tumor proteins or require personalization for each patient, this new vaccine is universal and does not depend on individual tumor characteristics.

As Dr. Duane Mitchell, one of the study’s authors, explains, this approach triggers a powerful anti-tumor immune response by stimulating the immune system in a general way, rather than targeting specific mutations. This opens the door to developing a standard vaccine suitable for a wide range of patients without the need for extensive personalization.

This breakthrough was made possible by advances in mRNA and nanoparticle technology, which allow genetic material to be delivered into cells without being destroyed. The work also builds on previous research by the same team, who had earlier developed a vaccine against glioblastoma — an aggressive brain tumor — using a similar method.

The next steps include preclinical trials and moving on to human testing. The study is already supported by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and other scientific organizations. Developers hope the vaccine could eventually be commercialized and made available "off the shelf" for treating various cancers.

Thus, the new universal mRNA vaccine is more than just another experiment in cancer therapy. It represents a fundamentally new strategy that activates the immune system without the need to analyze each individual tumor. If clinical trials confirm its safety and effectiveness, this could become a powerful new weapon in the fight against one of the deadliest diseases.