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Using Reverse Genetics to Manipulate the NSs Gene of the Rift Valley Fever Virus MP-12 Strain to Improve Vaccine Safety and Efficacy
Published on: November 1, 2011
17.3K
A Novel BoHV-1-Vectored Subunit RVFV Vaccine Induces a Robust Humoral and Cell-Mediated Immune Response Against Rift
Selvaraj Pavulraj1, Rhett W Stout1, Shafiqul I Chowdhury1
1Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
Viruses
|March 27, 2025
Summary
A new Rift Valley fever virus (RVF) vaccine using a modified bovine herpesvirus vector shows promise for sheep. This safe and effective subunit vaccine induces strong immune responses, protecting sheep from RVF.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Immunology
- Vaccine Development
Background:
- Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic disease impacting livestock and humans, with no approved human vaccines.
- Developing animal vaccines is critical for disease control and preventing human transmission.
- Current research focuses on safe and effective vaccine vectors for livestock.
Purpose of the Study:
- To repurpose a novel bovine herpesvirus type 1 quadruple gene-mutant vector (BoHV-1qmv)-based subunit vaccine for RVF in sheep.
- To evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of this repurposed vaccine in sheep.
Main Methods:
- Engineered a BoHV-1qmv-vectored subunit RVF vaccine (BoHV-1qmv Sub-RVFV) with ovine-codon-optimized sequences and sheep GM-CSF.
- Administered a combined primary intranasal-plus-subcutaneous immunization to sheep.
- Performed an intranasal booster vaccination after 29 days.
- Assessed RVF virus-specific serum-neutralizing (SN) antibodies and cellular immune responses.
Main Results:
- The repurposed vaccine was safe and induced moderate levels of BoHV-1 and RVF virus (MP-12 strain)-specific SN antibodies and cellular immune responses after primary immunization.
- Intranasal booster vaccination rapidly increased MP-12-specific SN antibody titers within 7 days.
- The vaccine demonstrated high immunogenicity in sheep.
Conclusions:
- The BoHV-1qmv-vectored subunit RVF vaccine is a safe and effective candidate for sheep.
- This vaccine holds potential for controlling RVF in sheep populations and preventing zoonotic transmission.
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