Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) is one of several ebolaviruses that cause Ebola virus disease (EVD). Sporadic outbreaks continue to occur in Central Africa, highlighting the need for effective vaccines that provide rapid protection.

Researchers at NIAID’s Laboratory of Virology developed a vaccine against BDBV using vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) to carry the BDBV surface glycoprotein (GP), a key target of the immune response, to BDBV. The team also created the DNA plasmid pATX– VSVDG–BDBV GP, a circular DNA molecule used to produce the vaccine virus in cell culture. Subsequent laboratory studies confirmed that the vaccine could be produced in cells and express the BDBV glycoprotein as intended. This design stimulates both early immune defenses and longer- lasting immune responses against BDBV. The BDBV glycoprotein may also facilitate delivery of the vaccine to antigen-presenting cells, including monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells, which play a central role in initiating antiviral immune responses.

In nonhuman primate studies, a single intramuscular dose of the vaccine protected animals from disease within 3 days of vaccination, supporting further development of the vaccine for rapid protection and post-exposure use. The licensable materials include both the recombinant rVSV–BDBV vaccine and the corresponding DNA plasmid to support further development, manufacturing, and outbreak response.

This technology is available for licensing for commercial development in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 209 and 37 CFR part 404, as well as for further development and evaluation under a research collaboration.