Experimental veterinary SARS-CoV-2 vaccine cross neutralization of the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant virus in cats

Vet Microbiol. 2022 May:268:109395. doi: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2022.109395. Epub 2022 Mar 11.

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 has exhibited varying pathogenesis in a variety of Mammalia family's including Canidae, Mustelidae, Hominidae, Cervidae, Hyaenidae, and Felidae. Novel SARS-CoV-2 variants characterized by spike protein mutations have recently resulted in clinical and epidemiological concerns, as they potentially have increased infectious rates, increased transmission, or reduced neutralization by antibodies produced via vaccination. Many variants have been identified at this time, but the variant of continuing concern has been the Delta variant (B.1.617.2), due to its increased transmissibility and infectious rate. Felines vaccinated using an experimental SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-based veterinary vaccine mounted a robust immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Using a reporter virus particle system and feline serum, we have verified that vaccinated felines produce antibodies that neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain and variant B.1.617.2 at comparable levels.

Keywords: B.1.617.2; Canine; Canine vaccine; Cat vaccine; Delta; Delta variant; Mink; Mink vaccine; SARS-CoV-2; Serum Neutralization; Serum neutralization; Vaccine; Veterinary vaccine; Zoetis.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • COVID-19* / veterinary
  • Cat Diseases*
  • Cats
  • Felidae*
  • SARS-CoV-2 / genetics
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / genetics

Substances

  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • spike protein, SARS-CoV-2

Supplementary concepts

  • SARS-CoV-2 variants