According
to the US Humane Society, nearly 36 percent of US households own at least one of
the approximately 90 million owned cats, and 56 percent of owners have more than
one. Cats are susceptible to Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1), the agent of feline
viral rhinotracheitis, which accounts for more than 50% of all infectious upper
respiratory disease in cats and is an important cause of feline ocular
lesions.
MSU’s
technology suite involves a Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) clone
containing the complete and annotated genome of feline herpes virus-1 (FHV-1)
for vaccine and diagnostic development. Having the entire FHV-1 genome sequenced
allows researchers to specifically target deletions in new locations on the
virus for the development of a novel vaccine. Furthermore, it enables the
development of a diagnostic test that is able to determine if an infected cat’s
virus came from its vaccination or exposure to a field
virus.
Benefits
·
Broadly
effective vaccine: This technology can enable multivalent vaccines as well
as a vaccine for FHV-1. Easier and more efficient process to identify new
candidate vaccines: The BAC plasmid backbone, excisable from the viral
sequences, can be inserted directly into cell culture and cats to test for
virulence.
·
Safer
vaccine: The introduction of site specific mutations in the genome could
produce a less virulent vaccine than current formulations.
·
Better
protection at infection site: Intranasal (IN) administration made possible
by BAC allows for a more rapid cell mediated and humoral response at the site of
infection.
·
Easier
method for functional studies of FHV-1 genes: The intact viral genome
enables additional studies in genetic functional analysis. New differentiation
of infection and vaccinated animals (DIVA) diagnostic test: Targeted deletions
on novel sections of the genome provide a means to determine if clinical signs
are due to the vaccine or exposure to a field virus.
Applications
Companion
animal vaccine and diagnostic companies could use this technology to create
FHV-1 vaccine candidates and correlated DIVA tests. A more effective FHV-1
vaccine would be of high interest to veterinarians and shelter
personnel.
IP Protection
Multiple
patent applications pending
