Ebolavirus vaccines for humans and apes

Because of high case fatality proportions, person-to-person transmission, and potential use in bioterrorism, the development of a vaccine against ebolavirus remains a top priority. Although no licensed vaccine or treatment against ebolavirus is currently available, progress in preclinical testing of countermeasures has been made. Here, we will review ebolavirus vaccine candidates and considerations for their use in humans and wild apes.

► Successful EBOV vaccine candidates have been identified in preclinical studies. ► Gene-based EBOV vaccines are immunogenic in human clinical trials. ► An ideal EBOV vaccine will give rapid and durable immunity against multiple EBOV species. ► The role of EHF relative to other pathogens in great ape mortality should be assessed. ► A vaccine strategy for great apes requires strong scientific justification and ethical review.