Vaccines against Ebola virus and Marburg virus: recent advances and promising candidates
John J Suschak1, Connie S Schmaljohn2
1Virology Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases , Fort Detrick , MD , USA.
Abstract:
The filoviruses Ebola virus and Marburg virus are among the most dangerous pathogens in the world. Both viruses cause viral hemorrhagic fever, with case fatality rates of up to 90%. Historically, filovirus outbreaks had been relatively small, with only a few hundred cases reported. However, the recent West African Ebola virus outbreak underscored the threat that filoviruses pose. The three year-long outbreak resulted in 28,646 Ebola virus infections and 11,323 deaths. The lack of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed vaccines and antiviral drugs hindered early efforts to contain the outbreak. In response, the global scientific community has spurred the advanced development of many filovirus vaccine candidates. Novel vaccine platforms, such as viral vectors and DNA vaccines, have emerged, leading to the investigation of candidate vaccines that have demonstrated protective efficacy in small animal and nonhuman primate studies. Here, we will discuss several of these vaccine platforms with a particular focus on approaches that have advanced into clinical development.
Insights
Filoviruses like Ebola cause deadly hemorrhagic fevers. New vaccine platforms show promise, with several candidates advancing into clinical trials to combat these dangerous pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Filoviruses, including Ebola and Marburg viruses, are highly lethal pathogens responsible for viral hemorrhagic fever with up to 90% fatality rates.
- Historically contained outbreaks have been overshadowed by the devastating West African Ebola epidemic, highlighting the urgent need for effective countermeasures.
- The limited availability of FDA-licensed vaccines and antivirals hampered outbreak containment efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss emerging filovirus vaccine platforms.
- To highlight vaccine candidates that have demonstrated efficacy in preclinical studies.
- To focus on filovirus vaccine approaches that have progressed to clinical development.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on filovirus vaccine development.
- Analysis of novel vaccine platforms such as viral vectors and DNA vaccines.
- Examination of studies demonstrating protective efficacy in animal models and nonhuman primates.
Main Results:
- Several novel vaccine platforms have been investigated for filovirus prevention.
- Candidate vaccines utilizing viral vectors and DNA technologies have shown protective efficacy in preclinical models.
- A number of these promising vaccine candidates have advanced into human clinical trials.
Conclusions:
- The development of effective filovirus vaccines is a critical global health priority.
- Novel vaccine platforms offer promising strategies to combat Ebola and Marburg virus diseases.
- Advancement into clinical trials signifies progress towards potential medical interventions for filovirus infections.
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