Henipavirus outbreaks to antivirals: the current status of potential therapeutics

The henipaviruses, Hendra virus and Nipah virus, are classic examples of recently emerged viral zoonoses. In a relatively short time since their discoveries in the mid and late 1990s, respectively, a great deal of new information has been accumulated detailing their biology and certain unique characteristics. Their broad species tropism and abilities to cause severe and often fatal respiratory and/or neurologic disease in both animals and humans has sparked considerable interest in developing effective antiviral strategies to prevent or treat henipavirus infection and disease. Here, recent findings on the few most advanced henipavirus countermeasures are summarized and discussed.

► Hendra virus and Nipah virus advanced antiviral therapies are reviewed. ► Recent animal models of henipavirus disease used to test antivirals and vaccines are discussed. ► A potential human-use passive immunotherapeutic is reviewed. ► Potential livestock Hendra and Nipah virus vaccines are discussed.