In vitro expression, immunogenicity, and efficacy data from recombinant raccoon poxvirus-vectored rabies vaccine candidates tested in mice

This work is part of an experimental trial to develop and assess novel recombinant raccoonpox virus (RCN) rabies vaccines in the mouse model, for potential use in bats. Briefly, our research group previously developed a recombinant RCN vaccine candidate expressing a mosaic glycoprotein (MoG) gene that protected mice and big brown bats when challenged with rabies virus (RABV). We developed two new recombinant RCN candidates expressing MoG (RCN-tPA-MoG and RCN-SS-TD-MoG) with the aim of improving RCN-MoG. We assessed and compared in vitro expression, in vivo immunogenicity, and protective efficacy in vaccinated mice challenged intracerebrally with RABV. In this data set, we share results of immunofluorescence assay quantification, recombinant virus growth curves, and antibody titer assays with mouse sera. Additionally, we share mouse weights and weight changes following RABV challenge, as well as RABV challenge study survival results. These data demonstrate that vaccination with either RCN-tPA-MoG or RCN-MoG confers adequate protection from rabies infection, and either may be a sufficient vaccine candidate for bats in future work.