TY - THES A1 - Waller, Ole T1 - Evaluating the potential of mRNA vaccines for human rabies N2 - To this date, rabies is still one of the most fatal diseases worldwide and generates at least 59,000 deaths per year. Although current vaccines are safe and effective, RNA technology proposes improved vaccines that are potentially able to facilitate eradication of rabies until 2030. In this review, RNA vaccine candidates are evaluated for their potential to be effective against rabies and to be implemented in immunization programs. To understand the relevance of disease prevention, rabies virus and its function in the body is clarified. RNA technology is explained to comprehend its mode of action in the human immune system and its potential to be a vaccine platform. Comparison to existing vaccines showed advantages in several characteristics that are relevant for vaccine approval. RNA vaccines scored better in efficacy, stability, production, and dosing, but there is still room for improvements in terms of safety and tolerability. Theoretical potential is proven, but practical translation of RNA vaccines into clinical candidates requires more attention, as safety and tolerability are the leading limiting factor for approval of any new drug or vaccine. Producing a safe, stable and effective RNA vaccine does not necessarily ensure less rabies deaths, because rabies control strategies heavily rely on proper funding and availability in these rabies endemic region. Nonetheless, RNA vaccine technology offers potential solutions for the elimination of rabies. Y1 - 2023 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-16737 ER -