University of São Paulo and University of Bonn develop chikungunya vaccine

Researchers from the University of São Paulo (USP) and the University of Bonn in Germany have developed an innovative vaccine against the chikungunya virus. The new approach utilizes a genetically modified pathogen designed to replicate only once within the organism. This method allows the virus to activate the immune system without the risk of becoming infectious or causing disease symptoms.

By interrupting the virus's maturation process—specifically by replacing a human enzyme sequence with one from a plant virus—the researchers ensured the pathogen cannot infect new cells after its initial controlled replication. In mouse trials, a single dose provided sufficient protection.

Because the vaccine does not pose the same risks as traditional attenuated virus vaccines, it may be safer for elderly and immunosuppressed populations. Researchers noted that this technological platform could potentially be adapted to combat other arboviruses, including Zika, dengue, yellow fever, and SARS-CoV-2 variants.