mRNA therapeutics for restoring immune tolerance in autoimmune diseases.

Abstract

Autoimmune diseases arise from breakdown of immune tolerance and are commonly treated with broad immunosuppression that limits efficacy and increases toxicity. For drug discovery, mRNA therapeutics offer a programmable, modular platform to develop antigen-specific and mechanism-driven autoimmune therapies. mRNA-based approaches enable transient, controllable expression of self-antigens, immunoregulatory proteins and transcription factors to induce tolerance, reshape local immune microenvironments and enhance regulatory immune pathways. Preclinical studies across models of multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis demonstrate proof-of-concept and translational potential. Collectively, these findings position mRNA therapeutics for selective immune modulation while preserving immunity.