Saving Elephants from a Deadly Virus

Project Details:

Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpes Virus (“EEHV”) is the leading cause of death in juvenile Asian elephants born in North America and in their natural range countries. In collaboration with Dr. Paul Ling from the Department of Microbiology and Virology at Baylor College of Medicine, The Colossal Foundation is developing vaccines that would prevent the deadly virus from infecting elephants – both in zoos and in their natural habitats.

In Partnership With

Dr. Paul Ling, professor in the Department of Microbiology and Virology at Baylor College of Medicine and world’s leading EEHV researcher

The project is accelerating milestones in three phases, including the development and rollout of a mRNA vaccine, the development of a protein subunit vaccine, and the development of a monoclonal antibody treatment. The collaboration will advance the understanding of the disease, including the immune repertoire of elephants who are actively infected with the virus, to treat elephants who are critically ill with EEHV and prevent the spread of the disease in the future. Dr. Ling’s successful “Bench to Barn” research program, a partnership with the Houston Zoo which focuses on diagnostics, treatments and a vaccine, is also bolstered by the partnership with the Colossal Foundation.

Dr. Paul Ling, professor in the Department of Microbiology and Virology at Baylor College of Medicine works on mRNA vaccine for EEHV.

EEHV is responsible for about half of the deaths of young elephants in zoos. A staggering yet preventable figure. Our research aims to stop it in its tracks.

Dr. Paul Ling
Baylor College of Medicine and world’s leading EEHV researcher

“In the wild, elephants are a critical keystone species, a key player in maintaining the biodiversity and health of the ecosystems they inhabit. Disruptive conservation methods rooted in genetics complement existing preservation efforts, and ensure a future for all elephants to thrive,” said Matt James, Executive Director of the Colossal Foundation and Colossal’s Head of Animal Operations.

The roll out of the first mRNA vaccine is expected to be in 2024.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE EFFORT

Sequencing:

Vaccine and treatment work builds upon our efforts to sequence and open-source the entire genomes of African and Asian elephants, identifying specific proteins from the EEHV virus.

Vaccine Development:

By engineering EEHV proteins and utilizing cutting-edge mRNA platforms, we are developing vaccines that train elephants’ immune systems to mount a defense against the deadly pathogen.

Antibody Treatment:

To provide life-saving care to critically ill elephants already infected with EEHV, our collaboration is also developing potent monoclonal antibody treatments.