H enipaviruses

Abstract

Abstract Henipaviruses are the deadliest human pathogens of the Paramyxoviridae family. The genus Henipavirus includes two closely related, zoonotic, and highly pathogenic paramyxoviruses, Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus (HeV), which cause high morbidity and mortality in animals and humans. There are no approved therapeutics to treat or prevent henipavirus infections in humans. The bat species Pteropus are the natural reservoir of henipaviruses, and zoonotic transmission can occur directly or through an intermediate host; horses for HeV and pigs for NiV. The unavailability of a treatment for these infections, the recent detection of HeV antibodies in family pets and the emergence of NiV infections in new geographic areas (Philippines) are an illustration of the risk that these viruses possess and their momentum of becoming a global threat. Unless an effective therapeutic against these viruses is developed, they will continue to emerge and cause significant challenges and threats in the coming years. Key Concepts The newly established genus Henipavirus of Paramyxoviridae family has three members Hendra, Nipah and Cedar viruses. Fruit bats of the genus Pteropus have been identified as the natural reservoir for henipaviruses. Both Nipah and Hendra viruses are highly pathogenic agents that cause acute encephalitis and respiratory illness with high mortality rate in humans, pigs and horses. There is no approved therapeutics for the treatment of henipaviruses, and they continue to pose a threat in Australia (Hendra virus) and East and Southeast Asia (Nipah virus) with a great potential to spread beyond these regions. M 102.4 is an experimental monoclonal antibody that targets the viral entry stage of Henipavirus and was proven to treat henipavirus infections in animals.