Study on DNA Vaccination Against Rift Valley Fever in Mice
Author Information
Author(s): Nina Lagerqvist, Jonas Näslund, Åke Lundkvist, Michèle Bouloy, Clas Ahlm, Göran Bucht
Primary Institution: Swedish Defence Research Agency, Department of CBRN Defence and Security, Umeå University
Hypothesis
Can genetic immunisation with cDNA encoding Rift Valley Fever virus proteins induce protective immune responses in mice?
Conclusion
DNA vaccination significantly reduced clinical signs of Rift Valley Fever in vaccinated mice compared to controls.
Supporting Evidence
- Four out of eight mice vaccinated with cDNA encoding the nucleocapsid protein showed no clinical signs after virus challenge.
- Five out of eight mice vaccinated with cDNA encoding glycoproteins displayed no clinical signs after challenge.
- All control animals displayed clinical manifestations of Rift Valley Fever after challenge.
Takeaway
Researchers tested a new type of vaccine for Rift Valley Fever in mice, and it helped some mice not get sick after being exposed to the virus.
Methodology
Mice were vaccinated with cDNA constructs encoding RVFV proteins and then challenged with the virus to evaluate immune responses and protection.
Limitations
Complete protection was not achieved, and the study was limited to mice, which may not fully represent human responses.
Participant Demographics
Female BALB/c mice, six to eight weeks old.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0021
Statistical Significance
p = 0.0021
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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