ABSTRACT
Background: Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus (LASV). It is endemic in West Africa and infects about 300,000 people each year, leading to approximately 5000 deaths annually. The development of the LASV vaccine has been listed as a priority by the World Health Organization since 2018. Considering the accelerated development and availability of vaccines against COVID-19, we set out to assess the prospects of LASV vaccines and the progress made so far. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the progress made on twenty-six vaccine candidates listed by Salami et al. (2019) and searched for new vaccine candidates through Google Scholar, PubMed, and DOAJ from June to July 2021. We searched the articles published in English using keywords that included "vaccine" AND "Lassa fever" OR "Lassa virus" in the title/. Results: Thirty-four candidate vaccines were identified - 26 already listed in the review by Salami et al. and an additional 8, which were developed over the last seven years. 30 vaccines are still in the pre-clinical stage while 4 of them are currently undergoing clinical trials. The most promising candidates in 2019 were vesicular stomatitis virus-vectored vaccine and live-attenuated MV/LASV vaccine;both had progressed to clinical trials. Conclusions: Despite the focus on COVID-19 vaccines since 2020, LASV vaccine is under development and continues to make impressive progress, hence more emphasis should be put into exploring further clinical studies related to the most promising types of vaccines identified.
ABSTRACT
Globalization and high-speed means of transportation contribute to the spread of infections dangerous to humans. Airborne pathogens have pandemic potential as currently shown in case of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Natural focal Lassa fever (LF) common in West African countries, in 35 cases was registered in non-endemic geographical areas because any person infected with Lassa virus (LASV) is a long-term source of infection (up to two months). Cases of person-to-person infection in endemic territories are described. In Germany, the facts of secondary virus transmission from patients to doctors have been recorded during the examination and blood collection from an apparently healthy person as well as during the autopsy of a deceased subjects due to severe LF course. Nonspecific malaise symptoms in LF are also characteristic of numerous other diseases common on the African continent, e.g., malaria and typhoid fever or viral infections such as yellow fever, Chikungunya, dengue and Zika, monkey pox and Ebola virus disease. In this regard, there may be similar dermatological manifestations. Timely detection of cases and differential diagnosis are crucial to ensure safe patient care and use of affordable antiviral therapy for LL provided by the drug Ribavirin. Research methods for studying LASV use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detecting viral RNA, electron microscopy, isolation of infectious virus cultured sensitive cells, indirect immunofluorescence reaction, enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) and immuno-chromatographic assays for the detection of antibodies and/or antigen as well as immunoblotting. Currently, test kits based on molecular and genetic methods are mainly used for LF laboratory diagnostics. Since the 1980s, ribavirin has been used to treat patients with LF. The serum accumulation of the drug in large quantities causes hemolysis, development of anemia and impaired renal function. In this regard, treatment options are being considered with decline in its concentration due to combined use with other antiviral drugs. A search for new therapeutic agents capable of inhibiting viral replication at disease early stage has been in progress due to lack of any approved vaccines.
ABSTRACT
In January 2023, a total of 64 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 235 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were COVID-19 (235), monkeypox (110), dengue fever (31), measles (27) and cholera (15). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Nipah virus disease (62.5%), Ebola virus disease (47.0%), Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (37.5%), Lassa fever (15.1%) and West Nile fever (7.6%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, cholera, measles and dengue fever. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19, cholera and dengue fever, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, cholera, yellow fever, Lassa fever, malaria and monkeypox, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, cholera, monkeypox, dengue fever and chikungunya fever, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe were COVID-19, monkeypox and invasive group A streptococcus infection.
ABSTRACT
In December 2022, a total of 68 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 235 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were COVID-19 (235), monkeypox (110), dengue fever (28), measles (27) and cholera (14). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Ebola virus disease (47.0%), Rift Valley fever (44.2%), Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (40.0%), Lassa fever (17.6%) and West Nile fever (7.6%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, cholera, dengue fever and measles. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19, cholera and dengue fever, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, cholera, yellow fever, Lassa fever, monkeypox, malaria and measles, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, cholera, monkeypox, dengue fever and chikungunya fever, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe were COVID-19, monkeypox and invasive group A streptococcus infection.
ABSTRACT
Vaccination is effective in preventing the increase of disease, especially emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), and it is particularly important for people in close contact with infected sources and susceptible populations who are at increased risk of getting infectious diseases due to behavior, occupation or health. Despite targeted vaccination guidelines, inadequate vaccination of the key populations fails to receive widespread attention, resulting in a high-risk transition of disease from key populations to general populations. Strengthening the vaccination of the susceptible groups can effectively block the spread of pathogens to general populations, and reduce the consumption of medical resources in universal vaccination, which has significant economic value. In this review, we describe the prevalence of EIDs, analyze the experience and lessons of infectious disease vaccination in key populations through several cases, and further explore the causes for the decline in vaccination rates of key populations. According to the trends of EIDs, a plan to strengthen the vaccination of key populations is proposed to effectively prevent the transition of EIDs from key populations to general populations.
ABSTRACT
Background: Experience from the Zaire Ebolavirus epidemic in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (2018-2020) demonstrates that early initiation of essential critical care and administration of Zaire Ebolavirus specific monoclonal antibodies may be associated with improved outcomes among patients with Ebola virus disease (EVD). Objectives: This series describes 13 EVD patients and 276 patients with suspected EVD treated during a Zaire Ebolavirus outbreak in Guinea in 2021. Method: Patients with confirmed or suspected EVD were treated in two Ebola treatment centres (ETC) in the region of N'zérékoré. Data were reviewed from all patients with suspected or confirmed EVD hospitalised in these two ETCs during the outbreak (14 February 2021 - 19 June 2021). Ebola-specific monoclonal antibodies, were available 2 weeks after onset of the outbreak. Results: Nine of the 13 EVD patients (age range: 22-70 years) survived. The four EVD patients who died, including one pregnant woman, presented with multi-organ dysfunction and died within 48 h of admission. All eight patients who received Ebola-specific monoclonal antibodies survived. Four of the 13 EVD patients were health workers. Improvement of ETC design facilitated implementation of WHO-recommended 'optimized supportive care for EVD'. In this context, pragmatic clinical training was integrated in routine ETC activities. Initial clinical manifestations of 13 confirmed EVD patients were similar to those of 276 patients with suspected, but subsequently non confirmed EVD. These patients suffered from other acute infections (e.g. malaria in 183 of 276 patients; 66%). Five of the 276 patients with suspected EVD died. One of these five patients had Lassa virus disease and a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) co-infection. Conclusion: Multidisciplinary outbreak response teams can rapidly optimise ETC design. Trained clinical teams can provide WHO-recommended optimised supportive care, including safe administration of Ebola-specific monoclonal antibodies. Pragmatic training in essential critical care can be integrated in routine ETC activities. Contribution: This article describes clinical realities associated with implementation of WHO-recommended standards of 'optimized supportive care' and administration of Ebola virus specific treatments. In this context, the importance of essential design principles of ETCs is underlined, which allow continuous visual contact and verbal interaction of health workers and families with their patients. Elements that may contribute to further quality of care improvements for patients with confirmed or suspected EVD are discussed.
ABSTRACT
Background: Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus (LASV). It is endemic in West Africa and infects about 300,000 people each year, leading to approximately 5000 deaths annually. The development of the LASV vaccine has been listed as a priority by the World Health Organization since 2018. Considering the accelerated development and availability of vaccines against COVID-19, we set out to assess the prospects of LASV vaccines and the progress made so far. Material(s) and Method(s): We reviewed the progress made on twenty-six vaccine candidates listed by Salami et al. (2019) and searched for new vaccine candidates through Google Scholar, PubMed, and DOAJ from June to July 2021. We searched the articles published in English using keywords that included "vaccine" AND "Lassa fever" OR "Lassa virus" in the title/. Result(s): Thirty-four candidate vaccines were identified - 26 already listed in the review by Salami et al. and an additional 8, which were developed over the last seven years. 30 vaccines are still in the pre-clinical stage while 4 of them are currently undergoing clinical trials. The most promising candidates in 2019 were vesicular stomatitis virus-vectored vaccine and live-attenuated MV/LASV vaccine;both had progressed to clinical trials. Conclusion(s): Despite the focus on COVID-19 vaccines since 2020, LASV vaccine is under development and continues to make impressive progress, hence more emphasis should be put into exploring further clinical studies related to the most promising types of vaccines identified. Copyright © 2022, African Traditional, Herbal Medicine Supporters Initiative. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Mammarenaviruses include many significant worldwide-widespread human pathogens, among them Lassa virus (LASV), having a dramatic morbidity and mortality rate. They are a potential high-risk menace to the worldwide public health since there are no treatments and there is a high possibility of animal-to-human and human-to-human viral transmission. These viruses enter into the cells by endocytosis fusing its membrane envelope with the late endosomal membrane thanks to the glycoprotein GP2, a membrane fusion protein of class I. This protein contains different domains, among them the N-terminal fusion peptide (NFP), the internal fusion loop (IFL), the membrane proximal external region (MPER) and the transmembrane domain (TMD). All these domains are implicated in the membrane fusion process. In this work, we have used an all-atom molecular dynamics study to know the binding of these protein domains with a complex membrane mimicking the late endosome one. We show that the NFP/IFL domain is capable of spontaneously inserting into the membrane without a significant change of secondary structure, the MPER domain locates at the bilayer interface with an orientation parallel to the membrane surface and tends to interact with other MPER domains, and the TMD domain tilts inside the bilayer. Moreover, they predominantly interact with negatively charged phospholipids. Overall, these membrane-interacting domains would characterise a target that would make possible to find effective antiviral molecules against LASV in particular and Mammarenaviruses in general.
Subject(s)
Lassa virus , Virus Internalization , Animals , Endosomes , Humans , Membrane Fusion , PeptidesABSTRACT
In May 2022, a total of 66 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 233 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were COVID-19 (233), monkeypox (36), dengue fever (31), measles (24) and cholera (11). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Ebola virus disease (100.0%), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (34.4%), Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (22.2%), Lassa fever (19.8%) and monkeypox (4.0%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, cholera, dengue fever and measles. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19, dengue fever and cholera, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, Ebola virus disease, cholera, yellow fever, Lassa fever, malaria and monkeypox, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, dengue fever, chikungunya fever and Zika virus disease, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe were COVID-19, monkeypox and acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology.
ABSTRACT
Mastomys natalensis is the natural host of various arenaviruses, including the human-pathogenic Lassa virus. Homologous arenaviruses, defined here as those having M. natalensis as a natural host, can establish long-lasting infection in M. natalensis, while these animals rapidly clear arenaviruses having another rodent species as a natural host (heterologous viruses). Little is known about the mechanisms behind the underlying arenavirus-host barriers. The innate immune system, particularly the type I interferon (IFN) response, might play a role. In this study, we developed and validated RT-PCR assays to analyse the expression of M. natalensis interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). We then used these assays to study if homologous and heterologous viruses induce different IFN responses in M. natalensis cells. Infection experiments were performed with the homologous Lassa and Morogoro viruses and the related but heterologous Mobala virus. Compared to the direct induction with IFN or Poly(I:C), arenaviruses generally induced a weak IFN response. However, the ISG-expression profiles of homologous and heterologous viruses were similar. Our data indicate that, at least in M. natalensis cells, the IFN system is not a major factor in the virus-host barrier for arenaviruses. Our system provides a valuable tool for future in vivo investigation of arenavirus host restrictions at the level of the innate immune response.
Subject(s)
Arenaviridae Infections , Arenavirus , Interferon Type I , Animals , Arenavirus/physiology , Humans , Immunity, Innate , Murinae , TanzaniaABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic caught the world largely unprepared, including scientific and policy communities. On April 10-13, 2022, researchers across academia, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations met at the Keystone symposium "Lessons from the Pandemic: Responding to Emerging Zoonotic Viral Diseases" to discuss the successes and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and what lessons can be applied moving forward. Speakers focused on experiences not only from the COVID-19 pandemic but also from outbreaks of other pathogens, including the Ebola virus, Lassa virus, and Nipah virus. A general consensus was that investments made during the COVID-19 pandemic in infrastructure, collaborations, laboratory and manufacturing capacity, diagnostics, clinical trial networks, and regulatory enhancements-notably, in low-to-middle income countries-must be maintained and strengthened to enable quick, concerted responses to future threats, especially to zoonotic pathogens.
ABSTRACT
Globalization and high-speed means of transportation contribute to the spread of infections dangerous to humans. Airborne pathogens have pandemic potential as currently shown in case of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Natural focal Lassa fever (LF) common in West African countries, in 35 cases was registered in non-endemic geographical areas because any person infected with Lassa virus (LASV) is a long-term source of infection (up to two months). Cases of person-to-person infection in endemic territories are described. In Germany, the facts of secondary virus transmission from patients to doctors have been recorded during the examination and blood collection from an apparently healthy person as well as during the autopsy of a deceased subjects due to severe LF course. Nonspecific malaise symptoms in LF are also characteristic of numerous other diseases common on the African continent, e.g., malaria and typhoid fever or viral infections such as yellow fever, Chikungunya, dengue and Zika, monkey pox and Ebola virus disease. In this regard, there may be similar dermatological manifestations. Timely detection of cases and differential diagnosis are crucial to ensure safe patient care and use of affordable antiviral therapy for LL provided by the drug Ribavirin. Research methods for study ing LASV use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detecting viral RNA, electron microscopy, isolation of infectious virus cultured sensitive cells, indirect immunofluorescence reaction, enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) and immunochromatographic assays for the detection of antibodies and/or antigen as well as immunoblotting. Currently, test kits based on molecular and genetic methods are mainly used for LF laboratory diagnostics. Since the 1980s, ribavirin has been used to treat patients with LF. The serum accumulation of the drug in large quantities causes hemolysis, development of anemia and impaired renal function. In this regard, treatment options are being considered with decline in its concentration due to combined use with other antiviral drugs. A search for new therapeutic agents capable of inhibiting viral replication at disease early stage has been in progress due to lack of any approved vaccines. (English) [ FROM AUTHOR] Глобализация и скоростные средства передвижения способствуют распространению инфекций, опасных для человека. Патогены, передаваемые воздушно-капельным путем, обладают пандемическим потенциалом, как в настоящее время показано на примере нового коронавируса SARS-CoV-2. Природно-очаговая лихорадка Ласса (ЛЛ), распространенная в странах западной Африки, в 35 случаях была зарегистрирована на неэндемичных географических районах, так как человек, инфицированный вирусом Ласса (Lassa virus, LASV), является источником инфекции длительное время (до двух месяцев). На эндемичных территориях описаны случаи заражения при передаче вируса «от человека к человеку». В Германии зафиксированы факты вторичной передачи вируса от пациентов врачам при осмотре и взятии крови у внешне здорового человека, а также при вскрытии погибшего в результате тяжелого течения ЛЛ. Неспецифические симптомы недомогания при ЛЛ характерны и для других многочисленных заболеваний, распространенных на африканском континенте, например, при малярии и брюшном тифе или при вирусных инфекциях - это желтая лихорадка, лихорадки Чикунгунья, денге и Зика, оспа обезьян и болезнь, вызванная вирусом Эбола. При протекании этих болезней могут быть и схожие дерматологические проявления. Своевременное выявление заболевших и дифференциальная диагностика имеют решающее значение для обеспечения безопасного ухода за пациентами и применения доступной противовирусной терапии (при ЛЛ это препарат рибавирин). Методы научных исследований LASV включают: анализы на основе полимеразной цепной реакции (ПЦР) по определению вирусной РНК, электронную микроскопию, выделение инфекционного вируса на культуре чувствительных клеток, реакцию непрямой иммунофлуоресценции (РНИФ), иммуноферментный (ИФА) и иммунохроматографический (ИХА) анализы по выявлению антител и/или антигена, а также иммуноблоттинг. Для диагностики ЛЛ в настоящее время, в основном, используют тест-системы на основе молекулярно-генетических методов. С 80-х гг. XX в. и до сих пор для лечения пациентов с ЛЛ используют рибавирин, но накопление этого препарата в плазме в больших количествах вызывает гемолиз, развитие анемии и нарушение функции почек. В связи с этим рассматриваются варианты лечения при уменьшении его концентрации за счет сочетанного использования с другими противовирусными препаратами. Идет поиск новых терапевтических средств, способных ингибировать вирусную репликацию на ранней стадии болезни, так как зарегистрированные вакцины отсутствуют. (Russian) [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Russian Journal of Infection & Immunity is the property of National Electronic-Information Consortium and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)
ABSTRACT
T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 1 (TIM-1) has been recently identified as one of the factors involved in the internalization of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in human cells, in addition to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), neuropilin-1, and others. We hypothesized that specific microRNAs could target TIM-1, with potential implications for the management of patients suffering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). By combining bioinformatic analyses and functional assays, we identified miR-142 as a specific regulator of TIM-1 transcription. Since TIM-1 has been implicated in the regulation of endothelial function at the level of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and its levels have been shown to be associated with stroke and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, we validated miR-142 as a functional modulator of TIM-1 in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs). Taken together, our results indicate that miR-142 targets TIM-1, representing a novel strategy against cerebrovascular disorders, as well as systemic complications of SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections.
Subject(s)
Endothelial Cells/pathology , Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 1/metabolism , MicroRNAs , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 , COVID-19 , Dengue , Endothelial Cells/metabolism , Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola , Humans , Immunoglobulins , MicroRNAs/genetics , Mucins , Neuropilin-1/genetics , Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A , SARS-CoV-2 , Stroke , Zika Virus , Zika Virus InfectionABSTRACT
In March 2022, a total of 63 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 230 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were COVID-19 (230), dengue fever (32), measles (29), chikungunya fever (10) and cholera (9). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (33.3%), Rift Valley fever (20.0%), Lassa fever (18.6%), yellow fever (11.3%) and monkeypox (5.5%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, measles, cholera and Lassa fever. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19 and dengue fever, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, cholera, yellow fever, Lassa fever, malaria, measles and poliomyelitis, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, dengue fever and chikungunya fever, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe was COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
CEPI is an innovative partnership between public, private, philanthropic and civil organisations founded in Davos in 2017 to develop vaccines to stop future epidemics. To date, CEPI has received multi-year funding from Norway, Germany, Japan, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Wellcome Trust. CEPI has also received single-year investments from the governments of Australia, Belgium, and Canada. It has reached $630 million of its $1 billion funding target. The European Commission has announced a contribution in kind of € 250 million that will support relevant projects through EC mechanisms. Since its launch in January 2017, CEPI has announced two Calls for Proposals. The first was for candidate vaccines against MERS-CoV, Nipah and Lassa viruses. The second was for the development of platforms that can be used for rapid vaccine development against unknown pathogens. From the first call, CEPI has, so far, announced six partnership agreements and this means 4 lassa vaccine candidates, 3 MERS-CoV vaccine candidates and 1 Nipah vaccine candidate have been selected for development. Learn more at CEPI.net. Follow us at @CEPIvaccines.
ABSTRACT
In January 2022, a total of 68 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 228 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19, 228), dengue fever (26), measles (19), cholera (12) and leptospirosis (10). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Rift Valley fever (100.0%), Lassa fever (19.0%), yellow fever (15.5%), plague (7.5%) and West Nile fever (7.1%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, measles, Lassa fever and cholera. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19 and dengue fever, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, cholera, yellow fever, Lassa fever, malaria and measles, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, dengue fever and chikungunya fever, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe was COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
In December 2021, a total of 64 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 228 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19, 228), measles (29), dengue fever (28), cholera (12) and chikungunya fever (9). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Ebola virus disease (81.8%), Middle East respiratory syndrome (34.4%), yellow fever (22.0%), Lassa fever (20.0%) and plague (10.8%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, measles, dengue fever and cholera. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19 and dengue fever, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, cholera, yellow fever, plague, Lassa fever, poliomyelitis, malaria and measles, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, dengue fever, chikungunya fever and Zika virus disease, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe was COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
In November 2021, a total of 65 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 226 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19, 226), dengue fever (31), measles (21), poliomyelitis (11) and cholera (10). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Ebola virus disease (81.8%), Lassa fever (18.6%), yellow fever (15.3%), meningitis (7.9%) and plague (7.6%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, cholera, dengue fever and yellow fever. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19 and dengue fever, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, Ebola virus disease, cholera, yellow fever, Lassa fever, poliomyelitis, malaria and measles, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, dengue fever, chikungunya fever and Zika virus disease, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe were COVID-19 and West Nile fever.
ABSTRACT
Lassa virus (LASV) is a highly prevalent pathogen in West Africa, including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria. The virus causes 100,000 to 300,000 infections per year, which lead to approximately 5,000 deaths annually. Lassa fever is currently on the WHO R and D Blueprint list of epidemic threats needing urgent R and D action, and therefore there is an unmet need for an effective LASV vaccine, especially one that prevents Service Members from becoming ill from epidemic disease exposure during operational deployments. The innovative vaccine technology used in this funded project was developed based on mRNA modified by incorporation of pseudouridin, which dramatically minimizes the indiscriminate activation of innate immune sensing and increases translation by an order of magnitude. This revolutionary technology was used by Moderna Therapeutics, the partner in this project, for the development of highly effective vaccines against influenza virus, rabies, HIV, Zika virus and SARS-CoV-2;the influenza and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have been tested recently in clinical trials. Dr. Bukreyev and Moderna have designed and tested two Ebola virus modified mRNA-based vaccines encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNP), which induced neutralizing antibodies in immunized guinea pigs and completely prevented death and disease caused by Ebola virus challenge