European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)'s video: EMBL scientist explains how structural biology helps to make RNA vaccines

RNA vaccines, such as the ones for COVID-19, represent a new approach in vaccine technology. They contain RNA molecules that encode pathogen proteins. The RNA molecules are placed inside lipid nanoparticles and introduced into the human body. Cells take up the RNA and produce the pathogen’s protein, which trains the immune system to recognise and destroy the pathogen. This method can be used to gain immunity not only to pathogens, but also to certain types of cancer. Cy Jeffries, faculty staff scientist at EMBL Hamburg, explains the clever technology behind RNA vaccines and how structural biology contributes to their development. He and his colleagues specialise in a method called small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), which allows them to study the molecular structure of particles directly in solution. Using SAXS, they are able to monitor the shape of lipid nanoparticles in different conditions to make sure the vaccine works correctly. The EMBL SAXS group collaborated on several projects with BioNTech, which, together with Pfizer, released one of the first COVID-19 vaccines. Learn more: https://www.embl.org/news/science/how-structural-biology-helps-to-make-rna-vaccines/ https://www.embl.org/news/science/biontech-uni-mainz-embl-hamburg/ EMBL’s scientific services provide users with access to innovative technologies and high-quality instrumentation, in combination with the scientific and technical expertise of our staff. Providing scientists in academia and industry with access to our infrastructures and data resources is one of EMBL’s core missions. Learn more: https://www.embl.org/services-facilities/ EMBL Hamburg offers services in structural biology, biophysics, and sample preparation and characterisation: https://www.embl.org/services-facilities/hamburg/ Credits Video producer: Claudiu Grozea Writer and editor: Dorota Badowska Footage: Dorota Badowska, Adobe Stock Visuals and animations: Rayne Zaayman-Gallant, Cy Jeffries, Adobe Stock Music: The Most Successful Traders by Marc Corominas Pujadó, Adobe Stock Intro motion graphic design: Claudiu Grozea © European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)