Prophylactic protection from lethal henipavirus disease mediated by Nipah-derived defective interfering particles is influenced by challenge virus strain and viral species • Nipah Virus Research Library

Authors: Stephen R. Welch, Jessica R. Spengler, Jessica R. Harmon, JoAnn D. Coleman-McCray, Sarah C. Genzer, Katherine A. Davies, Teresa E. Sorvillo, Florine E. M. Scholte, Sergio E. Rodriguez, Joel M. Montgomery, Stuart T. Nichol, Christina F. Spiropoulou

Year: 2025

Journal: eBioMedicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.105897

Summary#

The paper explores the effectiveness of defective interfering particles (DIPs) in reducing clinical signs and lethality of henipavirus infection in Syrian hamsters.

Key Findings#

Prophylactic DIP treatment reduced clinical signs and lethality in Syrian hamsters.
Single or repeated pre-exposure regimens provided protection, while post-exposure treatment was ineffective.
DIPs derived from NiV strain Malaysia were most effective against NiV Malaysia but also provided strong protection against the closely related NiV Bangladesh with certain regimens.
These DIPs offered minimal or no protection against lethality from the more distantly related Hendra virus.

Methodology#

Study Type: Experimental
Sample Size: Syrian hamsters

Topics#

Virus research, Medical countermeasures, Henipaviruses, Nipah virus, Hendra virus

Relevance#

The study provides insights into the potential use of DIPs as a pre-exposure prophylactic for henipavirus infection, which could be crucial in combating these deadly viruses.

Source#

[Download PDF](/pdfs/public-health-policy/main (3).pdf)