As those around the world are getting vaccinated and the light at the end of the tunnel for the coronavirus pandemic is in sight, we decided to switch gears to highlight the fascinating and inspiring story of Dr. Katalin Karikó for our June profile.
Katalin Karikó is a Hungarian-born biochemist that has been on the leading edge of messenger RNA (mRNA) research for the past four decades. mRNA contains the genetic code that carries DNA instructions to each cell’s protein-making machinery. Dr. Karikó was convinced mRNA could be used to instruct cells to make any protein that was needed, including antibodies to vaccinate against infection. Starting in 1990 while serving as faculty at the University of Pennsylvania, Karikó started applying for grants to investigate mRNA gene-based therapy, but the idea was unconventional and grant after grant were rejected resulting in her demotion in 1995.
The crux of the problem was that injecting synthetic mRNA caused a large immune response. She persisted, however, and finally, along with her long time collaborator, immunologist and medical doctor, Drew Weissman, found the solution. Through experiments spanning a decade, they discovered that natural mRNA contained a molecule (pseudouridine) that allowed it to exist in cells without triggering an immune response. Once that basic discovery was made, the possible applications of mRNA expanded exponentially, but the discovery mostly went under the radar. Finally, two biotech companies (Moderna and BioNTech/Pfizer) took notice and started developing mRNA vaccines for the flu and Zika viruses to name a few. Karikó also took a position as Senior Vice President at BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals.
Then came the coronavirus – which is characterized by a distinctive spike protein on its surface that was a perfect target for mRNA vaccines to help produce. Once Chinese scientists published the DNA sequence of the coronavirus, both companies were able to design their vaccine within days. The idea was to use synthetic mRNA to instruct cells to briefly produce the spike protein and prepare the immune system to attack in case it came into contact with the real thing.
It worked. Karikó wasn’t surprised, and celebrated by “eating an entire box of Goobers chocolate covered peanuts by herself.”2 You deserve it, thanks from those of us that have benefited from your persistence!
References and additional reading:
2https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/08/health/coronavirus-mrna-kariko.html