Spike SARS CoV-2 (E484K; N501Y) mRNAs have been designed to produce high expression level of spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 virus. For the COVID-19 vaccines, scientists developed synthetic mRNA in a lab that instructs cells to produce the distinctive spike protein from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The immune system then targets and destroys these foreign spike proteins. If the body encounters the real virus at a later time, the body’s immune system will already be prepared to fend it off again. This mRNA encodes for the Spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and bears two mutations (E484K and N501Y). Spike protein is used as antigen for immunisation and biochemical studies. Spike mRNAs resemble fully matured mRNAs with 5'cap1 structure and 3' polyA tail, therefore ready to be translated by the ribosome.

mRNA transfection provides several advantages over plasmid DNA (pDNA) delivery. It does not require nuclear uptake for being expressed since translation of mRNA occurs directly into cytoplasm. Indeed, nuclear delivery (transport through nuclear membrane) is one the principal barriers for transfecting slow or non-dividing cells and consequently, mRNA transfection is particularly attractive for such purpose.This approach presents also the advantage of being non-integrative which is particularly appealing for stem cells, regenerative medicine or vaccine fields. Contrary to pDNA, mRNA cannot lead to genetic insertion causing mutations. Moreover, the protein expression from the mRNA is promoter-independent and faster than with DNA.

OZ Biosciences mRNAs are produced by in vitro transcription. mRNAs are stabilised at the 5' end by modified nucleotides capping (Cap1) and contain a poly(A) tail at the 3' end. Sequences have been optimised to yield improved stability and performance.

• Ready-to-use stabilised Spike SARS CoV-2 (E484K; N501Y) mRNA
• Concentration: 1.0mg/mL in 1mM sodium citrate, pH 6.4
• For research use only, not for use in humans, not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic purposes
• MRNA34 does not bear any additional nucleotide modifications
• MRNA35 is modified with 5-methoxyuridine (5moU) to reduce innate immune response
• MRNA43 is modified with N1-methyl-pseudouridine (N1-mψ) to reduce innate immune response