Combating the West Nile virus through immunology

A European project to develop a recombinant vaccine and therapeutic antibodies against the West Nile virus infection

Our preventive approach to address a global distributed virus

A vaccine in the preclinical phase

The West Nile Virus (WNV) is one of the most widespread mosquito-borne pathogens in the world, but there is still no approved treatment for its infection. At LWNVIVAT (Limiting West Nile virus impact by novel vaccines and therapeutic approaches), we are working on prevention through the development of a novel vaccine and therapeutic antibodies that protects from the infection and the disease induced by the virus with a long-lasting neutralising response.

A significant challenge

Although 80% of the WNV cases are asymptomatic, 1% of the infections lead to serious problems affecting the central nervous system that can cause death, especially in immunosuppressed individuals and in people over 60.

Our Methods

At LWNVIVAT, we are utilizing computational tools to develop a recombinant vaccine and therapeutic antibodies targeting the West Nile virus, triggering an immune response that covers all variants. We will assess the efficacy of the developed antigens using in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models.

Better health for everyone

With the vaccine candidate and the therapeutic antibodies developed in our project, we aim to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with the WNV infection. If the vaccine is successful, it could lead to the development of other effective vaccines against similar viruses.

The LWNVIVAT team

Seven research centres with strong expertise

European public and private institutions with broad experience in different areas of knowledge join forces in this project to provide a solution to the West Nile Virus.