A Recombinant Subunit Based Zika Virus Vaccine Is Efficacious in Non-human Primates.

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Zika Virus (ZIKV) emerged as a public health concern due to neurological complications during the 2013-2014 epidemic.
• No specific treatment for ZIKV infection exists, driving vaccine development efforts.
• Previous studies showed promise for recombinant subunit vaccines in mouse models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a recombinant subunit ZIKV vaccine candidate in a non-human primate (NHP) model.
• To assess the immunogenicity and protective potential of the vaccine in macaques.
• To investigate the role of neutralizing antibodies as a correlate of protection.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a recombinant subunit vaccine platform expressing ZIKV antigens produced in *Drosophila melanogaster* S2 cells.
• Tested vaccine efficacy in a non-human primate (macaque) viremia model.
• Assessed neutralizing antibody titers and performed passive transfer experiments in mice.

Main Results:

• All protected macaques achieved high neutralizing antibody titers.
• Plasma from vaccinated NHPs conferred protection against ZIKV viremia in mice.
• The recombinant subunit vaccine candidate demonstrated immunogenicity and protective efficacy in NHPs.

Conclusions:

• The recombinant subunit vaccine candidate is immunogenic and protective in non-human primates.
• Neutralizing antibodies are crucial for protection against ZIKV infection.
• Neutralizing antibodies may serve as a correlate of protection for ZIKV vaccines.