Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2025
High-throughput Antiviral Assays to Screen for Inhibitors of Zika Virus Replication
Published on: October 30, 2021
Development of Viral-Vectored Vaccines and Virus Replicon Particle-Based Neutralisation Assay against Mayaro Virus
Young Chan Kim1, Arlen-Celina Lücke2, César López-Camacho1
1The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK.
Abstract:
Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an emerging alphavirus causing acute febrile illness associated with chronic polyarthralgia. Although MAYV is currently restricted to tropical regions in South America around the Amazon basin, it has the potential to spread globally by Aedes species mosquitoes. In addition, there are currently no specific therapeutics or licenced vaccines against MAYV infection. We have previously shown that an adenovirus based Mayaro vaccine (ChAdOx1 May) was able to provide full protection against MAYV challenge in vaccinated A129 mice and induced high neutralising antibody titres. In this study, we have constructed a replication deficient simian adenovirus (ChAdOx2) and a Modified Ankara Virus (MVA) based vaccine expressing the MAYV structural cassette (sMAYV) similar to ChAdOx1 May, and characterised recombinant MAYV E2 glycoprotein expressed in a mammalian system for immune monitoring. We demonstrate that ChAdOx2 May was able to induce high antibody titres similar to ChAdOx1 May, and MVA May was shown to be an effective boosting strategy following prime vaccination with ChAdOx1 or ChAdOx2 May. In order to measure MAYV neutralising ability, we have developed a virus replicon particle-based neutralisation assay which effectively detected neutralising antibodies against MAYV. In summary, our study indicates the potential for further clinical development of the viral vectored MAYV vaccines against MAYV infections.
Insights
New viral vector vaccines show promise for Mayaro virus (MAYV) infection. These Mayaro virus vaccines, including adenovirus and modified Ankara virus platforms, offer potential protection against this emerging alphavirus.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Vaccinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an emerging alphavirus causing febrile illness and chronic polyarthralgia.
- MAYV poses a global health risk due to potential spread by Aedes mosquitoes.
- No specific treatments or vaccines currently exist for MAYV infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate novel viral vector-based vaccines against Mayaro virus.
- To assess the immunogenicity and protective potential of new vaccine candidates.
- To establish a robust assay for measuring Mayaro virus neutralizing antibodies.
Main Methods:
- Construction of replication-deficient simian adenovirus (ChAdOx2) and Modified Ankara Virus (MVA) based vaccines expressing MAYV structural components.
- Characterization of recombinant MAYV E2 glycoprotein for immune monitoring.
- Development of a virus replicon particle-based neutralization assay.
- Evaluation of vaccine efficacy in mouse models.
Main Results:
- ChAdOx2-based Mayaro virus vaccine induced high antibody titers, comparable to previous adenovirus vaccines.
- MVA-based vaccine demonstrated effectiveness as a booster following ChAdOx1 or ChAdOx2 prime vaccination.
- The developed neutralization assay accurately detected antibodies against Mayaro virus.
Conclusions:
- Viral vectored vaccines, including ChAdOx2 and MVA platforms, show significant potential for clinical development against Mayaro virus.
- These findings support further investigation into Mayaro virus vaccines for Mayaro virus disease prevention.
- The developed neutralization assay is a valuable tool for monitoring immune responses to Mayaro virus vaccines.
