Lassa Virus Replicon Particle Vaccine Protects Strain 13/N Guinea Pigs Against Challenge With Geographically and Genetically Diverse Viral Strains

Lassa virus (LASV) causes mild to severe hemorrhagic fever disease in humans. Strain 13/N guinea pigs are highly susceptible to infection with LASV strain Josiah (clade IV), providing a critical model system for therapeutics and vaccine development. To develop additional models of disease, we detail the clinical course in guinea pigs infected with 5 geographically and genetically diverse LASV strains. Two of the developed models (LASV clades II and III) were then used to evaluate efficacy of a virus replicon particle vaccine against heterologous LASV challenge, demonstrating complete protection against clinical disease after a single vaccination dose.

Automated summary

This study provides a detailed clinical course of guinea pigs infected with different strains of Lassa virus and develops models for disease research. The efficacy of a virus replicon particle vaccine against heterologous Lassa virus challenge is evaluated, showing complete protection after a single vaccination dose.