Vaccine to Inhibit Autochthonous Transmission of Hepatitis (VaccinATE)

Introduction and aim Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. In Germany, genotype 3 (GT3) is most prevalent and pigs are the main reservoir of this genotype. HEV GT3 is mainly transmitted to humans through consumption of contaminated meat products. Therefore, vaccination of pigs against HEV could consequently prevent the transmission of HEV to humans. Here, we aimed to identify the most suitable immunogen and immunization strategy for vaccination against HEV.