Hendra Virus Infection

Hendra virus (HeV), a member of the Henipavirus genus within the family Paramyxoviridae, is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus. At our company, we are dedicated to pioneering innovative solutions for Hendra virus infection through our comprehensive vaccine and therapy development services.

Introduction to Hendra Virus Infection

Hendra virus (HeV) is a highly pathogenic zoonotic virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family, specifically categorized under the Henipavirus genus. First identified in 1994 during an outbreak in horses in Australia, HeV has since been recognized for its ability to cause severe respiratory illness and encephalitis in both humans and equines. The natural reservoir of HeV is fruit bats of the genus Pteropus, which are widely distributed across regions where outbreaks have occurred. Transmission to humans typically occurs through direct contact with infected horses or their secretions, making the equine population a focal point for prevention strategies.

Fig.1 Transmission of Hendra virus. (Ashraf H., et al., 2023)

Vaccine Development for Hendra Virus Infection

The development of a vaccine against HeV has been a significant stride in combating the disease. The first vaccine, a recombinant canarypox virus-based construct, was approved for use in horses in Australia in 2012. This vaccine targets the viral glycoprotein G, which is crucial for viral entry into host cells. The vaccine has demonstrated efficacy in preventing viral shedding and clinical disease in horses, thereby reducing the risk of zoonotic transmission to humans.

Field trials and case studies have shown that vaccinated horses develop robust neutralizing antibody responses and exhibit protection against HeV challenge. The vaccine's success in the field has been instrumental in controlling outbreaks and reducing the incidence of the disease in endemic regions.

Therapeutics Development for Hendra Virus Infection

Antiviral Therapies

The development of antiviral therapies for HeV has been challenging due to the limited number of cases and the virus's high mortality rate. Ribavirin, a broad-spectrum antiviral, has been considered for treatment, with some evidence suggesting it may reduce disease severity when used early in infection. However, its clinical efficacy remains to be fully established.

Monoclonal Antibodies

The human monoclonal antibody m120.4, which targets the HeV glycoprotein G, has demonstrated efficacy in nonhuman primate models. In these studies, m120.4 conferred protection against lethal HeV infection, demonstrating the capability of monoclonal antibodies to neutralize viral infectivity and prevent disease progression.

Our Services

Our vaccine development services focus on the utilization of recombinant technologies, including the exploration of novel viral vectors and immunogenic formulations. In addition to vaccine development, our company is actively engaged in the discovery and development of antiviral therapies for Hendra virus infection.

Vaccine Development

• Live-attenuated Vaccine
• Inactivated Vaccine
• Toxoid Vaccine
• Viral Vector Vaccine
• Virus-like Particles Vaccine
• Protein Subunit Vaccine
• mRNA Vaccine
• DNA Vaccine

Therapeutic Development

• Small Molecule Drug Development Services
• Therapeutic mRNA Development Services
• Therapeutic Antibody Development Services
• Cell Therapy Development Services

Disease Models

• HeV Infection Guinea Pig Models
• HeV Infection Pig Modes
• HeV Infection Horse Models
• HeV Infection Cat Models
• HeV Infection Ferret Models
• HeV Infection Non-human Primate Models

The preclinical research services provided are tailored to bolster the advancement of vaccines and therapeutic agents targeting Hendra Virus. Our cutting-edge facilities are outfitted for both in vivo and in vitro investigations, enabling a thorough assessment of candidate products. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.

All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.