Peer-review started: August 31, 2014
First decision: September 28, 2014
Revised: October 22, 2014
Accepted: November 7, 2014
Article in press: November 10, 2014
Published online: January 27, 2015
Processing time: 135 Days and 20 Hours
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is characterized by a high propensity for development of life-long viral persistence. An estimated 170 million people suffer from chronic hepatitis caused by HCV. Currently, there is no approved prophylactic HCV vaccine available. With the near disappearance of the most relevant animal model for HCV, the chimpanzee, we review the progression that has been made regarding prophylactic vaccine development against HCV. We describe the results of the individual vaccine evaluation experiments in chimpanzees, in relation to what has been observed in humans. The results of the different studies indicate that partial protection against infection can be achieved, but a clear correlate of protection has thus far not yet been defined.
Core tip: With the near disappearance of the most relevant animal model for hepatitis C virus (HCV), the chimpanzee, we review the progression that has been made regarding vaccine development against this virus infection. An estimated 3 million people suffering from chronic hepatitis caused by HCV die each year. Currently, there is no approved vaccine available to prevent new infection.