Efficacy of rDiHAVO as a potential vaccine antigen against heartworm infections in a mouse model

Dirofilariasis, or heartworm disease, is a life-threatening parasitic infection caused by the nematode parasite Dirofilaria immitis. Mosquito vectors in tropical and subtropical regions transmit the infection. Current treatment options are expensive, have a short-term effect, and depend on anthelminthic therapy. There are no licensed vaccines available for preventing heartworm infections. The primary goal of this study was to identify potential vaccine candidates, develop a tetravalent fusion protein (rDiHAVO) vaccine antigen, and evaluate its immunogenicity and efficacy in a mouse model of D. immitis infection. Results show that the rDiHAVO is highly immunogenic in mice and confers over 95% protection against a challenge infection. These findings suggest that rDiHAVO is a potential vaccine candidate against Dirofilariasis. Additional testing in dogs can advance this vaccine candidate to clinical trials.