Author
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FABURAY, BONTO - Kansas State University |
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Wilson, William - Bill |
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GAUDREAULT, NATASHA - Kansas State University |
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DAVIS, A. SALLY - Kansas State University |
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SHIVANNA, VINAY - Kansas State University |
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BAWA, BHUPINDER - Kansas State University |
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SUNWOO, SUN YOUNG - Kansas State University |
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MA, WENJUN - Kansas State University |
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Drolet, Barbara |
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MOROZOV, IGOR - Kansas State University |
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McVey, David |
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RICHT, JUERGEN - Kansas State University |
Submitted to: Scientific Reports
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 5/24/2016 Publication Date: 6/14/2016 Citation: Faburay, B., Wilson, W.C., Gaudreault, N.N., Davis, A., Shivanna, V., Bawa, B., Sunwoo, S., Ma, W., Drolet, B.S., Morozov, I., McVey, D.S., Richt, J.A. 2016. A recombinant Rift Valley fever virus glycoprotein subunit vaccine confers full protection against Rift Valley fever challenge in sheep. Scientific Reports. 6(27719):1-12. doi:10.1038/srep27719. Interpretive Summary: Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne viral disease found in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula that similar to West Nile virus could be introduced into the United States. The virus has great potential for spread across borders due to the presence of competent vectors in non-endemic areas. There is currently no fully licensed vaccine suitable for use in livestock or humans outside endemic areas. Here we report the evaluation of a recombinant subunit vaccine that was effective in protecting sheep from infection and was DIVA (differentiating naturally infected from vaccinated animals) compatible. We conclude that the subunit vaccine platform represents a promising strategy for the prevention and control of RVFV infections in susceptible hosts. Technical Abstract: Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic pathogen causing disease outbreaks in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The virus has great potential for transboundary spread due to the presence of competent vectors in non-endemic areas. There is currently no fully licensed vaccine suitable for use in livestock or humans outside endemic areas. Here we report the evaluation of the efficacy of a recombinant subunit vaccine based on the RVFV Gn and Gc glycoproteins. In a previous study, the vaccine elicited strong virus neutralizing antibody responses in sheep and was DIVA (differentiating naturally infected from vaccinated animals) compatible. In the current efficacy study, a group of sheep (n = 5) was vaccinated subcutaneously with the glycoprotein-based subunit vaccine candidate and then subjected to heterologous challenge with the virulent Kenya-128B-15 RVFV strain. The vaccine elicited high virus neutralizing antibody titers and conferred complete protection in all vaccinated sheep, as evidenced by prevention of viremia, fever and absence of RVFV-associated histopathological lesions. We 4conclude that the subunit vaccine platform represents a promising strategy for the prevention and control of RVFV infections in susceptible hosts. |