EZ Cap™ Spike mRNA (m1Ψ)

The Spike protein (S protein) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a "crown-like" protruding structure on the surface of the novel coronavirus, and is a key molecule for the virus to enter host cells. The spike protein, as the main antigen that induces the body to produce neutralizing antibodies, is the core target in the design of COVID-19 vaccines.

EZ Cap™ Spike mRNA (m1Ψ) is derived from the sequence of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine BNT162b2. It is provided at a concentration of ~1 mg/ml with Cap1 structure. There are currently two ways to cap mRNA: One is co-transcription method, by adding Cap analogues into the transcription process. The other is enzymatic Capping. After transcription, Cap0 capping is performed by Vaccinia virus Capping Enzyme (VCE), GTP and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). The Cap0 is then generated into the Cap1 through 2´-O-Methyltransferase and SAM. Cap1 Capping can also be performed by adding VCE, 2´-O-Methyltransferase, GTP and SAM in a one-step process. Cap 1 structure is more ideal for mammalian systems and possess higher transcription efficiency than Cap 0 structure. The addition of N1-Methylpseudo-UTP (m1Ψ) and poly(A) tail suppress RNA-mediated innate immune activation and increase the stability and lifetime of the mRNA in vitro and in vivo. Poly(A) tail also plays an important role in enhancing the efficiency of translation initiation.