VaccScreen PRRSV

Project summary:

PRRS is the disease with the greatest economic impact on the swine industry. The currently available modified live virus (MLV) vaccines against PRRS have several limitations, particularly regarding safety and cross-protection. To address these challenges, we are collaborating with an industrial partner to develop a third-generation vaccine based on self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) technology as an immunization platform.

For vaccines targeting poorly characterized antigens, a large number of vaccine candidates may need to be evaluated in vivo. In addition, saRNA technology is relatively simple and cost-effective, enabling the rapid production of numerous vaccine candidates. Consequently, the main bottleneck in the development of effective vaccines has become the capacity to screen these candidates efficiently. In accordance with the 3Rs principles (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) governing animal experimentation, we will adapt an ex vivo porcine lymph node model to evaluate in vitro the saRNA-based PRRS vaccine candidates generated within this project.

Partners:

• VIP-ANSES Ploufragan 
• CEVA

BIOEPAR researchers involved:

Nicolas Bertho : nicolas.bertho@inrae.fr

Pauline Maisonnasse : pauline.maisonnasse@inrae.fr

Project Coordinator:

Nicolas Bertho

Additional information:

Funding: PEPR Elevages Durables Vaccins-PC4 (https://www.pepr-elevages-durables.org/)