A DNA-based vaccine protects against Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus disease in a Cynomolgus macaque model

Nat Microbiol. 2021 Feb;6(2):187-195. doi: 10.1038/s41564-020-00815-6. Epub 2020 Nov 30.

Abstract

There is currently no specific prophylaxis or vaccine against Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe febrile illness transmitted by Hyalomma ticks in endemic areas, handling of infected livestock or care of infected patients. We report here the successful protection against CCHFV-mediated disease in a non-human primate disease model. Cynomolgus macaques were vaccinated with a DNA-based vaccine using in vivo electroporation-assisted delivery. The vaccine contained two plasmids encoding the glycoprotein precursor (GPC) and the nucleoprotein (NP) of CCHFV. Animals received three vaccinations and we recorded potent antibody and T cell responses after vaccination. While all sham-vaccinated animals developed viraemia, high tissue viral loads and CCHF-induced disease, the NP + GPC vaccinated animals were significantly protected. In conclusion, this is evidence of a vaccine that can protect against CCHFV-induced disease in a non-human primate model. This supports clinical development of the vaccine to protect groups at risk for contracting the infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, Crimean-Congo / genetics
  • Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, Crimean-Congo / immunology*
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Crimean / prevention & control*
  • Macaca fascicularis
  • Nucleocapsid Proteins / genetics
  • Nucleocapsid Proteins / immunology
  • Protein Precursors / genetics
  • Protein Precursors / immunology
  • Vaccines, DNA / immunology*
  • Vaccines, DNA / therapeutic use
  • Viral Vaccines / immunology*
  • Viral Vaccines / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Nucleocapsid Proteins
  • Protein Precursors
  • Vaccines, DNA
  • Viral Vaccines