Ebolavirus: Comparison of Survivor Immunology and Animal Models in the Search for a Correlate of Protection

Front Immunol. 2021 Feb 19:11:599568. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.599568. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

Ebola viruses are enveloped, single-stranded RNA viruses belonging to the Filoviridae family and can cause Ebola virus disease (EVD), a serious haemorrhagic illness with up to 90% mortality. The disease was first detected in Zaire (currently the Democratic Republic of Congo) in 1976. Since its discovery, Ebola virus has caused sporadic outbreaks in Africa and was responsible for the largest 2013-2016 EVD epidemic in West Africa, which resulted in more than 28,600 cases and over 11,300 deaths. This epidemic strengthened international scientific efforts to contain the virus and develop therapeutics and vaccines. Immunology studies in animal models and survivors, as well as clinical trials have been crucial to understand Ebola virus pathogenesis and host immune responses, which has supported vaccine development. This review discusses the major findings that have emerged from animal models, studies in survivors and vaccine clinical trials and explains how these investigations have helped in the search for a correlate of protection.

Keywords: Ebolavirus; animal models; correlate of protection; survivors; vaccine.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo / epidemiology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Ebola Vaccines / immunology*
  • Ebola Vaccines / therapeutic use
  • Ebolavirus / immunology*
  • Epidemics
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola / epidemiology
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola / history
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola / immunology*
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola / prevention & control
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Survivors*

Substances

  • Ebola Vaccines