Immune evasion and pathogenesis of henipaviruses

Abstract

Zoonotic viruses pose an escalating threat to global health, driven by climate change, deforestation, urbanization, and increased human-wildlife interactions. Among these threats, Henipaviruses - particularly Hendra virus and Nipah virus - have emerged as priority pathogens due to their severe clinical manifestations, broad host range, and pandemic potential. Naturally maintained in asymptomatic Pteropus fruit bats, Henipaviruses periodically spill over into humans via intermediate hosts, causing outbreaks characterized by acute respiratory and neurological syndromes and high fatality rates. Despite the increasing frequency of spillover events linked to environmental disruptions, no licensed antivirals or human vaccines currently exist. This review summarizes recent advances in Henipavirus virology, pathogenesis, host interactions, and the innate immune evasion mechanisms. An integrated understanding of these key aspects is critical for the design of effective preventive strategies within a unified One Health approach.