Protection from Hendra virus infection with Canarypox recombinant vaccine

French researchers have found a new potential vaccine against the rare, often-deadly Hendra virus that spreads from horses to humans. A team led by Branka Horvat at the International Center for Infectiology Research in the collaboration with Merial, developed new vaccine by combining a safe version of the Canarypox virus with Hendra virus (HeV) proteins that promote an immune response in the host. The researchers vaccinated hamsters and then administered a lethal dose of virus. The vaccine provided immunity from HeV by stimulating the production of neutralizing antibodies, inhibiting viral shedding and protecting animals from clinical disease. The immunogenicity of this vaccine was then confirmed in horses. The study puts forward a potential new route to stop the spread of HeV and protect communities that come into contact with horses, thereby protecting both animal and human health.