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Updated: Feb 9, 2026
Cochlear Implantation in the Guinea Pig
Published on: June 15, 2018
Description and characterization of a novel live-attenuated tri-segmented Machupo virus in Guinea pigs
Amélie D Zaza1,2, Cécile H Herbreteau3, Christophe N Peyrefitte4,5
1, Fab'entech, 24 rue Jean Baldassini Bat B 69007, Lyon, France. ameliezaza@gmail.com.
Background:
Machupo virus (MACV) is a member of the Mammarenavirus genus, Arenaviridae family and is the etiologic agent of Bolivian hemorrhagic fever, which causes small outbreaks or sporadic cases. Several other arenaviruses in South America Junín virus (JUNV) in Argentina, Guanarito in Venezuela, Sabiá in Brazil and Chapare in Bolivia, also are responsible for human hemorrhagic fevers. Among these arenaviruses, JUNV caused thousands of human cases until 1991, when the live attenuated Candid #1 vaccine, was used. Other than Candid #1 vaccine, few other therapeutic or prophylactic treatments exist. Therefore, new strategies for production of safe countermeasures with broad spectrum activity are needed.
Findings:
We tested a tri-segmented MACV, a potential vaccine candidate with several mutations, (r3MACV). In cell culture, r3MACV showed a 2-log reduction in infectious virus particle production and the MACV inhibition of INF-1β was removed from the construct and produced by infected cells. Furthermore, in an animal experiment, r3MACV was able to protect 50% of guinea pigs from a simultaneous lethal JUNV challenge. Protected animals didn't display clinical symptoms nor were virus particles found in peripheral blood (day 14) or in organs (day 28 post-inoculation). The r3MACV provided a higher protection than the Candid #1 vaccine.
Conclusions:
The r3MACV provides a potential countermeasure against two South America arenaviruses responsible of human hemorrhagic fever.
Insights
A novel modified Machupo virus (r3MACV) shows promise as a broad-spectrum countermeasure against South American arenaviruses, offering protection against lethal Junín virus challenges in animal models.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Vaccinology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Machupo virus (MACV) causes Bolivian hemorrhagic fever, with limited treatment options.
- Several South American arenaviruses, including Junín virus (JUNV), cause human hemorrhagic fevers.
- There is a critical need for new, safe, broad-spectrum countermeasures against these viruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a modified tri-segmented Machupo virus (r3MACV) as a potential vaccine candidate.
- To assess the efficacy of r3MACV against Junín virus (JUNV) infection.
Main Methods:
- r3MACV was tested in cell culture for viral replication and immune response modulation.
- Guinea pigs were challenged with a lethal dose of JUNV after vaccination with r3MACV.
- Clinical symptoms, viral load in blood, and viral presence in organs were monitored post-challenge.
Main Results:
- r3MACV demonstrated a 2-log reduction in infectious virus particle production in cell culture.
- The construct successfully removed and produced MACV inhibition of INF-1β.
- r3MACV protected 50% of guinea pigs against a lethal JUNV challenge, outperforming the Candid #1 vaccine.
Conclusions:
- r3MACV shows potential as a countermeasure against both Machupo virus and Junín virus.
- This modified arenavirus offers a promising strategy for developing broad-spectrum vaccines against South American hemorrhagic fevers.
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