Yale Researchers Unveil Dual-Action mRNA Vaccine Against Skin Cancer

Researchers at Yale University have developed an innovative dual-action mRNA vaccine designed to combat Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. The findings, published in the journal Cell Reports, detail how the vaccine targets a crucial protein that facilitates tumor growth while simultaneously enhancing immune system responses.

The mRNA vaccine functions by directing immune responses toward the viral large T antigen, a protein linked to tumor cell proliferation. Additionally, it co-encodes interleukin-7 (IL-7), a vital molecule that supports the growth of immune cells. This combination aims to bolster T cell responses, leading to significant improvements in immunity and a more sustained anti-tumor response against MCC, which is often triggered by viral infections.

According to Jeffrey J. Ishizuka, MD, DPhil, the study’s senior author and assistant professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine, “There is an urgent need for better treatments for Merkel cell carcinoma. Our vaccine aims to boost waning immunity, which may otherwise allow tumors to recur or progress.”

Vaccine Efficacy and Future Directions

The research team observed that the vaccine demonstrated strong effects in both animal models and patient samples. Notably, the effectiveness of the vaccine improved with the inclusion of IL-7, which enhances T cell expansion and memory formation. This focus on memory is particularly relevant given that the aging population, which is at greater risk for MCC, relies more heavily on T cell memory compared to younger individuals for long-lasting immune responses.

The study also highlighted that the vaccine showed promising compatibility with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, a common treatment option for various cancers. This compatibility suggests potential for the vaccine to be used in diverse treatment contexts, including pre- and post-surgery or in combination with other systemic therapies for metastatic disease.

The research involved contributions from 16 other authors affiliated with various departments at Yale, including surgery, oncology, immunobiology, and pathology. Currently, the team is engaged in investigational new drug enabling studies and is actively seeking partnerships to advance the vaccine toward clinical trials.

In conclusion, the dual-action mRNA vaccine represents a significant step forward in the fight against Merkel cell carcinoma, addressing the critical need for improved, durable treatments. With ongoing research and potential clinical trials on the horizon, there is hope for better outcomes for patients affected by this aggressive form of skin cancer.

For further details, refer to the study by Alexander Frey et al, titled “Targeting an essential viral oncoprotein with an IL-7-enhanced mRNA vaccine induces durable immunity to Merkel cell carcinoma,” published in Cell Reports in 2025.