# Protective Efficacy of a Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Based Vaccine Against Zika

## TL;DR

A new vaccine based on Modified Vaccinia Ankara shows strong protection against Zika virus in mice, offering hope for preventing its severe neurological effects.

## Contribution

A novel MVA-based vaccine expressing ZIKV prM and E proteins is shown to induce strong immunity and protection in a mouse model.

## Key findings

- Vaccination induced strong humoral and cellular immune responses in AG129 mice.
- The vaccine conferred significant protection against ZIKV replication in the brain and testes.
- The findings support further development of the MVA-based ZIKV vaccine for clinical use.

## Abstract

Background: Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus associated with severe neurological disease, including congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) following utero infection and Guillain–Barré syndrome in adults. The 2015–2016 epidemic in the Americas highlighted the profound maternal and neonatal consequences of ZIKV infection. Although reported transmission has declined, ongoing circulation of competent vectors and population susceptibility sustain a substantial risk of future outbreaks, underscoring the need for effective vaccines. Methods: We developed a recombinant Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA)-based vaccine candidate expressing the ZIKV pre-membrane (prM) and envelope (E) proteins and evaluated its immunogenicity and protective efficacy in interferon receptor-deficient AG129 mice. Results: Vaccination induced strong humoral and cellular immune responses and conferred significant protection against viral replication in key target organs, including the brain and testes, following ZIKV challenge. Conclusions: These preclinical findings support further development of this MVA-based ZIKV vaccine as a promising strategy to prevent ZIKV infection and its associated neurological complications.