Overview

• Results were published as a proof-of-concept in Nature Communications on October 3, following vaccination of adult elephants at Chester Zoo.
• The two-step heterologous regimen used a viral vector carrying EEHV proteins followed by a purified-protein booster with an adjuvant.
• Immune profiling showed strong activation of antiviral CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, confirmed through systems immunology and whole-transcriptome analyses in a first for elephants.
• No side effects were observed in the vaccinated adults, according to the University of Surrey–led team with Chester Zoo and the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
• Planned next studies will test protective efficacy in calves and in range countries, addressing a virus that is a leading cause of death in young Asian elephants and has killed multiple calves at Chester Zoo.