Arthropod Borne Viruses
The López Camacho Group develops next generation mRNA and viral vector vaccines targeting viruses transmitted by mosquitos and ticks. Our work spans antigen design, immunogenicity testing, and preclinical models, with a focus on translational impact in endemic regions. We apply a One Health approach to advance vaccines for both human and veterinary use.
Vaccines targeting viruses transmitted by mosquitos and ticks
Arthropod borne viruses (arboviruses) are a growing global health concern. Transmitted primarily by mosquitos and ticks, these viruses include major human and veterinary pathogens such as Chikungunya virus, Dengue virus, Zika virus, Tick borne encephalitis virus, Louping ill virus, and others. Climate change, urbanisation, and global travel are expanding the geographic range of these vectors, increasing the risk of outbreaks in previously unaffected regions.
The López Camacho group at the Jenner Institute is developing next generation vaccines against arboviruses using genetic platforms such as mRNA and viral vectors. Our work integrates rational antigen design, immunogenicity testing, and preclinical challenge models, with a strong focus on translational potential in low and middle income countries.
Focus Areas
Our research covers the following major areas:
1. Mosquito borne viruses
We are developing mRNA and viral vector based vaccines for:
- Chikungunya virus (CHIKV): A leading cause of viral arthritis outbreaks. As a precedent, Phase I trials using ChAdOx1 CHIKV construct have shown promising results.
- Dengue virus (DENV) and other flaviviruses: We are designing multivalent mRNA vaccines expressing envelope from all four dengue serotypes to induce balanced immunity while minimising the risk of antibody dependent enhancement. Similar glycoprotein E based vaccine strategies are being explored for other flaviviruses, including tick borne variants.
2. Tick borne viruses
Our work includes novel vaccines for:
- Tick borne encephalitis virus (TBEV)
- Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV): We are designing and evaluating mRNA vaccine candidates in collaboration with international partners.
3. Combined pathogen and vector targeting
We are developing innovative vaccine constructs that target both the virus and the vector, particularly in the context of tick borne disease. These include:
- Dual action mRNA vaccines encoding both viral antigens (e.g. KFDV, Anaplasma) and anti tick antigens.
- Integration of One Health approaches to evaluate vaccine efficacy in both humans and livestock.
Platforms and Capabilities
- In house mRNA design, in vitro transcription, purification, and LNP formulation
- Adenoviral vector platforms including ChAdOx1
- Immunogenicity
One Health and Global Impact
Our research is grounded in a One Health framework, recognising the interconnected health of humans, animals, and the environment. Many arboviruses affect both humans and livestock, creating opportunities for dual benefit vaccine strategies. Our international collaborations span Africa, Latin America, and Asia, with the goal of building vaccine capacity and preparedness in regions most affected by arboviral disease.
Chikungunya Vaccine Programme
Genetic based vaccines to prevent Chikungunya virus disease
The Chikungunya Vaccine Programme at the Jenner Institute is focused on the development of novel genetic based vaccines including mRNA and viral vector platforms to prevent Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection. CHIKV is a mosquito borne alphavirus that causes sudden high fever and debilitating polyarthritis, often with long term joint pain. Outbreaks have occurred across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and more recently parts of Europe and China.
Our programme aims to deliver safe, effective, and scalable vaccine solutions, particularly for populations in low and middle income countries where CHIKV is endemic and vaccine access remains limited.
Current Vaccine Landscape
Two chikungunya vaccines have recently been licensed:
IXCHIQ (Valneva): A live attenuated, single dose vaccine licensed by the FDA in November 2023 for adults aged 18 years and older. It is also authorised in the EU, UK, Canada, and Brazil. Due to reports of serious adverse events, use in older adults (60 years and above) has been temporarily restricted in the US and was recently lifted with caution in the EU.
VIMKUNYA (Bavarian Nordic): A virus like particle (VLP) vaccine approved in early 2025 for individuals aged 12 years and older. It does not use live virus and has shown a favourable safety and immunogenicity profile across age groups, including older adults.
These developments mark important progress but highlight the need for additional vaccine platforms with improved safety, adaptability to emerging variants, and suitability for co formulation with vaccines for other co endemic arboviruses.
Our Approach
Led by Dr César López Camacho, our programme is advancing two genetic vaccine strategies:
mRNA based vaccines encoding optimised CHIKV envelope proteins, formulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for efficient delivery and strong immunogenicity. These are being developed for rapid manufacturing and responsiveness to outbreak settings.
Adenoviral vector based vaccines using the ChAdOx1 platform. A Phase I trial of ChAdOx1 CHIKV, completed at the Jenner Institute, showed a strong immune response with a favourable safety profile. Furthermore, our team has developed geographically tailored CHIKV antigen designs mounted in ChAdOx1 and ChAdOx2, to adjust to current circulating CHIKV genotypes. Both platforms are being adapted to target African and Asian CHIKV lineages and are designed to be suitable for use in diverse populations, including in sub Saharan Africa, for example.
Research Highlights
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Structure informed design of CHIKV envelope antigens
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In vitro validation of mRNA constructs, LNP encapsulation, and quality control
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Preclinical studies in murine models showing strong antibody responses
Translational Focus
We are currently preparing for further clinical development of our CHIKV vaccines, including future Phase I and II trials in sub Saharan Africa. This work is part of a broader initiative to co-develop vaccines for CHIKV and dengue, supported by international collaborators and funders.
Contact
For further information or to explore collaborative opportunities, please contact:
Dr César López Camacho
Group Leader and Jenner Investigator