Zika Virus Vaccine Target Development in a Mouse Model of Disease
Abstract
Zika virus is an emerging virus that can cause disease in humans. When Zika virus infects a pregnant mother, the virus can infect the fetus and cause birth defects. Personnel in the Department of Defense (DoD), Veterans of the Armed Services, and their families are deployed and live in regions directly affected by this emerging virus. In order to create a vaccine to prevent Zika virus-related birth defects, we first need to evaluate possible vaccine candidates in an animal model to make sure the vaccine is safe and effective. In this proposal, we have created a new mouse model that recapitulates human fetal Zika virus infection in a pregnant mouse. We will use this model to study the immune response that is required to neutralize Zika virus. Then, we will study a candidate vaccine approach for its ability to induce immunity to Zika virus infection and prevent disease in a pregnant mouse. The data produced from this proposal will protect DoD personnel, Veterans, and their families from Zika virus infections.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 07, 2017
- Source ID
- W81XWH1710183
Entities
People
- John Beckham
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of Colorado Denver