The European research programme Horizon-Europe funds the LWNVIVAT project to create treatments for West Nile Virus (WNV), a growing global health threat. Currently, no effective treatments or human vaccines exist for WNV.
A Collaborative Effort to Create a WNV Vaccine
IrsiCaixa leads LWNVIVAT, collaborating with the University of Montpellier, Technische Universität Braunschweig, the University of Copenhagen, the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), HIPRA, and the Barcelona Supercomputing Center – Centro Nacional de Supercomputación (BSC-CNS). Their goal is to develop a safe, effective prophylactic vaccine that induces a long-lasting immune response.
The project, Limiting West Nile Virus Impact by Novel Vaccines And Therapeutics Approaches (LWNVIVAT), focuses on both vaccine development and therapeutic antibodies to combat the virus.
“WNV is an emerging pathogen with increasing global incidence. Developing strategies to combat it could protect thousands of people each year while also providing tools to address future viral threats,” explains Jorge Carrillo, LWNVIVAT project coordinator and principal investigator at IrsiCaixa.
Understanding West Nile Virus and Its Risks
WNV, one of the world’s most widespread pathogens, spreads through mosquito bites. While many infections remain asymptomatic, severe cases affect the central nervous system and can be fatal. “For immunocompromised individuals and those over 60 years old, the mortality rate rises to 30%. This highlights the urgent need for a protective solution,” Carrillo emphasizes.
Spain recorded its first WNV case in 2010. Since then, outbreaks have occurred nationwide, including a significant one in Andalusia in 2020 that resulted in 77 meningitis cases and eight deaths. “Climate change accelerates the spread of mosquito-borne viruses like WNV. A One Health approach integrating human, animal, and environmental health is crucial to combating these threats,” Carrillo adds.
Advancing Vaccine Development with Computational Tools
The goal is to create a vaccine that protects against all WNV genetic variants. “Using computational tools, we predict which molecules will trigger the immune system and generate antibodies to fight the virus,” explains Victor Guallar, a researcher at BSC-CNS and LWNVIVAT partner.
After identifying promising molecules, researchers will use two production methods: recombinant proteins and Virus-Like Particles (VLPs).
- Recombinant proteins, produced artificially in labs, can be generated in large quantities at a low cost. “This efficiency makes them ideal for clinical application,” says Carlo Carolis, Head of the Protein Technologies Unit.
- VLPs mimic the virus’s structure without being infectious. “We can use our VLP-based vaccine platform, originally developed for HIV, and adapt it for WNV,” explains Julià Blanco, an IGTP researcher at IrsiCaixa and LWNVIVAT partner. “VLPs are stable and induce a strong immune response,” he adds.
Enhancing Vaccine Efficacy with Antibodies
Researchers from eight institutions across four countries will evaluate the effectiveness of both the vaccine and antibodies.
“Alongside vaccine development, we are designing antibodies that could serve as treatment options for WNV. Studying vaccine-induced antibodies will help refine the immune response and enhance its efficacy,” Carrillo notes.
These antibodies could provide both therapeutic and preventive benefits, especially for vulnerable populations in outbreak-prone regions.
Broader Implications for Global Health
WNV belongs to the flavivirus family, which includes dengue, Zika, and yellow fever viruses. “Studying WNV will not only help us develop targeted treatments but also equip us with essential knowledge to combat related viruses,” Carrillo concludes.
The LWNVIVAT project marks a major step in the fight against WNV. By developing a prophylactic vaccine and therapeutic antibodies, researchers aim to protect at-risk populations and establish a foundation for future flavivirus treatments.
