NIH launches clinical trial of vaccine for Epstein-Barr virus
pharmafile | May 9, 2022 | News story | Research and Development |
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has launched an early-stage clinical trial, evaluating an investigational preventative vaccine for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), formally called Human gammaherpesvirus 4.
EBV is the primary cause for infectious mononucleosis, and is associated with certain cancers and autoimmune diseases. It is one of the nine known human herpesvirus types in the herpes family, and is one of the most common viruses in humans. It is one of the most common human viruses.
The Phase I study, which will be conducted at the NIH Clinical Centre in Bethesda, Maryland, is one of only two studies to test an investigational EBV vaccine in more than a decade.
“A vaccine that could prevent or reduce the severity of infection with the Epstein-Barr virus could reduce the incidence of infectious mononucleosis and might also reduce the incidence of EBV-associated malignancies and autoimmune diseases,” said NIAID Director Anthony S Fauci, MD.
EBV is associated with serious complications, including hepatitis, neurologic problems, and severe blood abnormalities. EBV is also associated with several malignancies, such as stomach and nasopharyngeal cancers, and Hodgkin and Burkitt lymphomas, alongside autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, and multiple sclerosis.
The vaccine operates by targeting EBV glycoprotein gp350, found on the surface of the virus and virus-infected cells. EBV gp350 is additionally the primary target for neutralising antibodies found in the blood of those naturally infected with EBV.
Ferritin is a natural iron storage protein found in cells of all living species. It is considered a promising vaccine platform, as it can display proteins from the targeted virus in a dense array on its surface.The study will enrol 40 healthy adult volunteers, aged 18 to 29 years, half of whom have evidence of prior EBV infection, and half of whom do not have evidence of prior EBV infection.
The NIH is the primary federal agency in the US conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research. It is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases.
Ana Ovey
