Virulence Modifying (VM) protein vaccine

The Virulence Modifying (VM) protein vaccine is a recombinant protein subunit vaccine candidate being developed for the prevention of leptospirosis, a globally neglected zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic *Leptospira* bacteria [5841]. Developed by Yale University and its spin-out company, Luna Bioscience, the vaccine targets leptospiral Virulence Modifying (VM) proteins (encoded by the PF07598 gene family), which are secreted exotoxins that mediate cellular cytotoxicity and tissue damage (such as pulmonary hemorrhage) during infection. Immunization with recombinant VM proteins (such as LA3490 and LA0591) elicits neutralizing antibodies that block the cytotoxic activity of these exotoxins, providing robust, cross-serovar protection against lethal *Leptospira* challenge in animal models (including mice and hamsters). The vaccine is being developed for both veterinary (canine, livestock) and human applications.

Other names

VM protein vaccineleptospiral VM protein vaccineleptospiral Virulence Modifying protein vaccinerecombinant VM protein vaccinerecombinant leptospiral Virulence Modifying protein vaccine