Overview
- A peer‑reviewed proof‑of‑concept study in Nature Communications reports a vaccine against elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus was safe in adult elephants at Chester Zoo.
- The heterologous two‑step regimen used a viral vector priming dose followed by a protein‑plus‑adjuvant booster.
- No side effects were observed, and immune analyses showed robust activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.
- Whole‑transcriptome, systems‑immunology profiling mapped antiviral pathways, marking a first for immune monitoring in elephants.
- With young calves most at risk and past deaths documented at Chester Zoo, the team plans efficacy trials in calves and studies in range countries to assess real‑world protection.