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. 2023 Apr 25;15(5):1045. doi: 10.3390/v15051045

Figure 2.

Figure 2

Schematic mechanism of action of an mRNA vaccine and potential interaction with the RAS cascade. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine formulation contains mRNA, which is able to encode the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. The S mRNA requires special packaging to be stably delivered to human by injection and to enter target cells. Once inside cells, this mRNA forms a complex with initiation factors and the small subunit of the ribosome, where elongation of the polypeptide chain starts. During this period, the biosynthetic machinery of the cell is diverted to temporarily synthesize the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The S protein first assembles to form homotrimers into the cytoplasm and then migrates to the cell surface to protrude with a native-like conformation. These spike proteins trigger an anti-SARS-CoV-2 S protein immune response beneficial for the vaccinated individual. However, cells expressing the S protein can also be destroyed by a specific anti-S immune response. A free floating spike can be released, leading to a massive interaction with ACE2.