CHIKV VLP vaccine

The **CHIKV VLP vaccine** is an investigational vaccine designed for the prevention of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an alphavirus. This vaccine is a recombinant **virus-like particle (VLP)** formulation that mimics the native structure of the virus but contains no viral genetic material, making it non-infectious. The VLPs are produced via recombinant technology, typically in insect cells, and contain the CHIKV structural proteins (C-E3-E2-6K-E1), forming particles that promote a strong immune response. The vaccine is adjuvanted with aluminum hydroxide (Alhydrogel) to enhance immunogenicity. Mechanistically, the vaccine works by inducing a **protective neutralizing antibody response** targeting the CHIKV structural proteins, primarily the E2 envelope protein, which is essential for virus entry into host cells. Immunogenicity endpoints in phase 3 trials showed robust and rapid induction of neutralizing antibodies (SNA NT80), with high seroresponse rates (up to 98% at day 22 post-vaccination) and durable responses through six months. The CHIKV VLP vaccine has demonstrated a favorable safety profile in clinical studies, with most adverse events being mild or moderate and no vaccine-related serious adverse events observed[1][2][4][5][6][8].

Brand names

VIKMUNYA

Other names

chikungunya virus-like particle vaccine