MIT Develops Room-Temperature-Stable mRNA Vaccine Technology

Two studies highlight distinct aspects of mRNA vaccination: side effects and storage. In a study of 171 adults, gut inflammation and bacterial flagellin activity before vaccination were associated with a greater likelihood of fever, while vegetarian diets correlated with microbiome features linked to lower fever risk. The researchers reported that these factors were not associated with antibody production, suggesting they may affect reactions without diminishing the measured immune response. Separately, MIT researchers used an AI-guided process to develop an mRNA vaccine formulation that remained stable at room temperature for two months; the technology could reduce distribution costs and ease reliance on refrigerated transport.