Research progress on hantavirus vaccines: a review

Hantaviruses, belonging to the genus hantavirus within the family Bunyaviridae, are enveloped, segmented, negative-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses prevalent worldwide. Human infection can cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS). Currently, the pathogenic mechanisms of hantaviruses are not fully understood, and there are no specific therapeutic drugs for hantavirus infection. The most effective means of preventing hantavirus epidemics is the development and application of safe and effective vaccines. This article reviews the biological and epidemiological characteristics of hantaviruses, infection and immune responses, and focuses on the current research status of hantavirus vaccines, hoping to provide a reference for basic research on hantaviruses and vaccine development.