While current rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is highly effective, it is costly and the vaccination regimen is complicated, requiring both inactivated vaccines and immunoglobulins. A one-dose rabies vaccine for human PEP remains a long-term goal. Here, we describe development of a highly attenuated rabies virus ERAg3m, with a mutation in the glycoprotein (G) gene and a switch of the G gene with the matrix protein gene in the viral genome. After a one-dose intramuscular vaccination, the ERAg3m virus protected 100% of mice and hamsters from lethal challenge. In co-infections, using a lethal dose of street rabies virus mixed with ERAg3m, 100% of hamsters and 90% of mice survived and were protected against subsequent infection. A mock co-infection, using inactivated commercial human rabies vaccine and a lethal dose of street rabies virus, protected 100% and 40% of hamsters and mice, respectively. In co-infections, when vaccine was administrated in the left leg and challenge virus in the right leg, the ERAg3m virus protected 40% of mice, while the inactivated vaccine showed no protection. Therefore, live attenuated rabies virus when given pre-exposure or co-infected with street rabies virus, is capable of preventing rabies in two different animal models. Overall, this highly attenuated live rabies virus offered better protection than the inactivated vaccine.
Published by Elsevier Ltd.