Evaluation of subunit vaccines against feline immunodeficiency virus infection

A potential dual protection vaccine: Recombinant feline herpesvirus-1 expressing feline parvovirus VP2 antigen

Recently, herpesvirus viral vectors that stimulate strong humoral and cellular immunity have been demonstrated to be the most promising platforms for the development of multivalent vaccines, because they contain various nonessential genes and exhibit long-life latency characteristics. Previously, we showed that the feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) mutant WH2020-ΔTK/gI/gE, which was safe for felines and provided efficacious protection against FHV-1 challenge, can be used as a vaccine vector. Moreover, previous studies have shown that the major neutralizing epitope VP2 protein of feline parvovirus (FPV) can elicit high levels of neutralizing antibodies. Therefore, to develop a bivalent vaccine against FPV and FHV-1, we first generated a novel recombinant virus by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homologous recombination, WH2020-ΔTK/gI/gE-VP2, which expresses the VP2 protein of FPV. The growth characteristics of WH2020-ΔTK/gI/gE-VP2 were similar to those of WH2020-ΔTK/gI/gE, and WH2020-ΔTK/gI/gE-VP2 was stable for at least 30 generations in CRFK cells. As expected, we found that the felines immunized with WH2020-ΔTK/gI/gE-VP2 produced FPV-neutralizing antibody titers (27.5) above the positive cutoff (26) on day 14 after single inoculation. More importantly, recombinant WH2020-ΔTK/gI/gE-VP2 exhibited severely impaired pathogenicity in inoculated and cohabiting cats. The kittens immunized with WH2020-ΔTK/gI/gE and WH2020-ΔTK/gI/gE-VP2 produced similar levels of FHV-specific antibodies and IFN-β. Furthermore, felines immunized with WH2020-ΔTK/gI/gE-VP2 were protected against challenge with FPV and FHV-1. These data showed that WH2020-ΔTK/gI/gE-VP2 appears to be a potentially safe, effective, and economical bivalent vaccine against FPV and FHV-1 and that WH2020-ΔTK/gI/gE can be used as a viral vector to develop feline multivalent vaccines.

Use of feline herpesvirus as a vaccine vector offers alternative applications for feline health

Herpesviruses are attractive vaccine vector candidates due to their large double stranded DNA genome and latency characteristics. Within the scope of veterinary vaccines, herpesvirus-vectored vaccines have been well studied and commercially available vectored vaccines are used to help prevent diseases in different animal species. Felid alphaherpesvirus 1 (FHV-1) has been characterised as a vector candidate to protect against a range of feline pathogens. In this review we highlight the methods used to construct FHV-1 based vaccines and their outcomes, while also proposing alternative uses for FHV-1 as a viral vector.

Analysis of Jembrana disease virus replication dynamics in vivo reveals strain variation and atypical responses to infection

Jembrana disease virus (JDV) is an acute lentiviral infection of Bali cattle in Indonesia. Data generated during a series of cattle infection experiments was examined and significant differences were identified in the mean plasma viral load on the first and second days of the febrile response in cattle infected with JDV(TAB/87) compared to those infected with JDV(PUL/01). The peak and total viral loads >or=10(6) genome copies/ml during the acute stage of the disease were significantly higher in JDV(TAB/87) infected cattle. JDV(PUL/01) infected cattle developed peak rectal temperatures earlier than the JDV(TAB/87) cattle but there were no differences in the duration of the febrile responses observed for the 2 groups of animals. The plasma viremia was above 10(6) genome copies/ml for almost 3 days longer in JDV(TAB/87) compared to JDV(PUL/01) infected cattle. Atypical responses to infection occurred in approximately 15% of experimentally infected animals, characterized by reduced viral loads, lower or absent febrile responses and absence of p26-specific antibody responses. Most of these cattle developed normal Tm-specific antibody responses between 4-12 weeks post-infection.

Vaccination against the feline immunodeficiency virus: the road not taken

Natural infection of domestic cats by the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). FIV is genetically related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and the clinical and biological features of infections caused by feline and human viruses in their respective hosts are highly analogous. Although the obstacles to vaccinating against FIV and HIV would seem to be of comparable difficulty, a licensed vaccine against feline AIDS is already in widespread use in several countries. While this seemingly major advance in prevention of AIDS would appear to be highly instructive for HIV vaccine development, its message has not been heeded by investigators in the HIV field. This review endeavours to relate what has been learned about vaccination against feline AIDS, and to suggest what this may mean for HIV vaccine development.

FIV as a Model for HIV: An Overview

Animal models for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection play a key role in understanding the pathogenesis of AIDS and the development of therapeutic agents and vaccines. As the only lentivirus that causes an immunodeficiency resembling that of HIV infection, in its natural host, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) has been a unique and powerful model for AIDS research. FIV was first described in 1987 by Niels Pedersen and co-workers as the causative agent for a fatal immunodeficiency syndrome observed in cats housed in a cattery in Petaluma, California. Since this landmark observation, multiple studies have shown that natural and experimental infection of cats with biological isolates of FIV produces an AIDS syndrome very similar in pathogenesis to that observed for human AIDS. FIV infection induces an acute viremia associated with Tcell alterations including depressed CD4 :CD8 T-cell ratios and CD4 T-cell depletion, peripheral lymphadenopathy, and neutropenia. In later stages of FIV infection, the host suffers from chronic persistent infections that are typically self-limiting in an immunocompetent host, as well as opportunistic infections, chronic diarrhea and wasting, blood dyscracias, significant CD4 T-cell depletion, neurologic disorders, and B-cell lymphomas. Importantly, chronic FIV infection induces a progressive lymphoid and CD4 T-cell depletion in the infected cat. The primary mode of natural FIV transmission appears to be blood-borne facilitated by fighting and biting. However, experimental infection through transmucosal routes (rectal and vaginal mucosa and perinatal) have been well documented for specific FIV isolates. Accordingly, FIV disease pathogenesis exhibits striking similarities to that described for HIV-1 infection.

Antibodies specific for hypervariable regions 3 to 5 of the feline immunodeficiency virus envelope glycoprotein are not solely responsible for vaccine-induced acceleration of challenge infection in cats

In a previous vaccination study in cats, the authors reported on accelerated feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) replication upon challenge in animals vaccinated with a candidate envelope subunit vaccine. Plasma transfer studies as well as antibody profiles in vaccinated cats indicated a causative role for antibodies directed against the hypervariable regions HV3, HV4 and HV5 (HV3-5) of the envelope glycoprotein. The present study was designed to investigate further the contribution of antibodies in envelope vaccine-induced acceleration of FIV infection. To this end, regions HV3-5 of the envelope glycoprotein were deleted from the original vaccine, thus addressing the contributing role of antibodies directed against these hypervariable regions. Interestingly, this approach did not prevent acceleration of challenge infection. Analysis of the antibody responses in the respective groups suggested that removal of HV3-5 redirected the humoral immune response towards other regions of the envelope glycoprotein, indicating that these regions can also induce antibodies that accelerate virus replication.

Domestic cats infected with lion or puma lentivirus develop anti-feline immunodeficiency virus immune responses

Attenuated live viral strains have afforded significant protection against virus challenge in HIV vaccine models. Although both cellular and humoral immunity are assumed to be vital for protection, specific parameters consistently associated with control of infection have been elusive. Our previous studies have shown that lentiviruses from 2 nondomestic feline species--lion (Pathera leo) and puma (Felis concolor)--persistently but nonpathogenetically infect domestic cats (Felis domestica). Moreover, infection with either the puma lentivirus (PLV) or lion lentivirus (LLV) conferred partial protection against superinfection with virulent feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), the feline equivalent of HIV. To determine whether domestic cats infected by the lentiviruses of pumas or lions generate cross-reactive immune responses, we infected groups of 5 domestic cats with PLV, LLV, or a sham control and then monitored virus load, hematologic parameters, antibody protection, proliferative responses, and the ability of blood mononuclear cells to inhibit LLV, PLV, and FIV replication in vitro. All cats inoculated with LLV or PLV developed persistent infection, and low-level cell-associated viremia has been previously described. Infected cats also generated robust antibody titers and lymphocytes that proliferated in response to viral antigens and downregulated PLV, LLV, and FIV replication in vitro. This latter activity was CD8 cell associated for PLV and LLV inhibition but not for FIV inhibition. Thus, cats infected with the phylogenetically more ancient and less pathogenic feline lentiviruses generated humoral and cell-mediated immune responses reactive against both the homologous viruses and the heterologous FIV of domestic cats, which correlated with decreased viral load. These results are analogous to protection studies with attenuated primate immunodeficiency viruses and provide a system by which to examine adaptation, interference, and cross protection among lentiviruses.

Attempt to modify the immune response developed against FIV gp120 protein by preliminary FIV DNA injection

Following inactivated virus vaccination trials, the surface glycoprotein gp120 (SU) of the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) was considered as one of the determinants for protection. However, several vaccination trials using recombinant Env protein or some Env-derived peptides failed to induce protection. To study the influence of the environment in which the surface protein (SU) is injected. we analyzed the impact of a nucleocapsid (NC) DNA immunization on the presentation of the recSU protein to the immune system. Cats were vaccinated either with the recSU protein alone or with NC DNA followed by the recSU protein. Two routes of nucleocapsid DNA vaccination were tested: intramuscular and mucosal injections. Cats immunized with the recSU protein showed a facilitation of infection, since they presented the earliest and the highest humoral response correlating with the highest proviral load. They also showed an acceleration of the appearance of IL4 mRNA signal. Preliminary injection of the DNA coding for NC protein, regardless the route of inoculation, seemed to inhibit the facilitation induced by vaccination with the recSU protein alone. The previously nucleocapsid DNA immunized cats had infectious status similar to those of the control cats, but with lower proviral load and less developed anti-FIV humoral response. Cat No. 2, belonging to the group vaccinated with NC protein by the mucosal route, had a protected-like status which did not correlate with the humoral response. This cat was the only one to have a persisting IFN mRNA signal after challenge specific for the p10 nucleocapsid and recSU proteins. However, no NC specific cytotoxic cells were observed throughout the experiment in this cat. The role of nucleocapsid DNA vaccination is still unknown nevertheless we did demonstrate that the facilitation observed in vaccination trial with recombinant proteins could be modified and that recombinant proteins could be a component of an effective vaccine.

Kinetics of replication of a partially attenuated virus and of the challenge virus during a three-year intersubtype feline immunodeficiency virus superinfection experiment in cats

The effects of preinfecting cats with a partially attenuated feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) on subsequent infection with a fully virulent FIV belonging to a different subtype were investigated. Eight specific-pathogen-free cats were preinfected with graded doses of a long-term in vitro-cultured cell-free preparation of FIV Petaluma (FIV-P, subtype A). FIV-P established a low-grade or a silent infection in the inoculated animals. Seven months later, the eight preinfected cats and two uninfected cats were challenged with in vivo-grown FIV-M2 (subtype B) and periodically monitored for immunological and virological status. FIV-P-preinfected cats were not protected from acute infection by FIV-M2, and the sustained replication of this virus was accompanied by a reduction of FIV-P viral loads in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma. However, from 2 years postchallenge (p.c.) until 3 years p.c., when the experiment was terminated, preinfected cats exhibited reduced total viral burdens, and some also exhibited a diminished decline of circulating CD4(+) T lymphocytes relative to control cats infected with FIV-M2 alone. Interestingly, most of the virus detected in challenged cats at late times p.c. was of FIV-P origin, indicating that the preinfecting, attenuated virus had become largely predominant. By the end of follow-up, two challenged cats had no FIV-M2 detectable in the tissues examined. The possible mechanisms underlying the interplay between the two viral populations are discussed.

Properties and functions of feline herpesvirus type 1 glycoproteins

Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) is a causative agent of feline viral rhinotracheitis and belongs to the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae of the family Herpesviridae. Since first isolated in 1958 by Crandell and Maurer, FHV-1 is distributed worldwide and is the most clinically significant agent for respiratory infections in cats. In this review, we describe the recent findings with properties and functions of FHV-1 glycoproteins, especially hemagglutinins.

Further development of a recombinant feline herpesvirus type 1 vector expressing feline calicivirus immunogenic antigen

We previously reported the attenuation of thymidine kinase (TK) deficient mutant (C7301dlTK) of feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) in cats and the construction of a recombinant FHV-1 (C7301dlTK-Cap) inserted a precursor capsid gene of feline calcivirus (FCV) into the TK deletion locus of the C7301dlTK. In this study, we constructed a further improved recombinant FHV-1 (dlTK(gCp)-Cap) carrying a putative FHV-1 gC promoter sequence upstream of the FCV precursor capsid gene of the C7301dlTK-Cap. Growth kinetics of the dlTK(gCp)-Cap in cell cultures was similar to those of C7301dlTK and C7301dlTK-Cap. A strong expression of FCV immunogenic antigen by dlTK(gCp)-Cap was confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. In addition, one vaccination with dlTK(gCp)-Cap protected cats more effective against subsequent virulent FCV challenge than that with C7301dlTK-Cap.

AIDS vaccination studies using an ex vivo feline immunodeficiency virus model: homologous erythrocytes as a delivery system for preferential immunization with putative protective antigens

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a useful model for testing of criteria for AIDS vaccine development. In the protocol we adopted, we used a primary isolate of FIV as a source of antigen and, for challenge, plasma from cats infected with the homologous virus never passaged in vitro. Cat erythrocytes (RBC) were coated with the surface components of freshly harvested and purified FIV by means of biotin-avidin-biotin bridges and used to immunize specific-pathogen-free cats (four doses at monthly intervals; total amount of FIV antigen administered per cat, approximately 14 microg). Immunized cats developed moderate levels of antibodies directed mainly to surface components of the virion and clearly evident lymphoproliferative responses. Four months after the last dose of immunogen, FIV-immunized cats and control cats immunized with bovine serum albumin-coated RBC were challenged. Judged from the results of the subsequent 12-month follow-up, FIV-immunized cats exhibited at least some degree of protection. However, following rechallenge, most of the FIV-immunized animals became virus positive in spite of a booster immunogen dose given 2 months before the second challenge.

Autologous and heterologous neutralization analyses of primary feline immunodeficiency virus isolates

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) provides a model system with which the significance of neutralizing antibody (NA) in immunosuppressive lentivirus infections may be studied. To date, no detailed analysis of the neutralization properties of primary FIV isolates has been reported. In this study, we have conducted the first comprehensive study of the sensitivity to autologous and heterologous neutralization in a lymphoid cell-based assay of 15 primary FIV isolates and, for comparison, of one tissue culture-adapted strain. Primary isolates in general proved highly NA resistant, although there was considerable individual variation. Variation was also observed in the capacity of immune sera to neutralize heterologous FIV isolates. The ability of sera to neutralize isolates or for isolates to be neutralized by sera did not correlate with epidemiological and genetic relatedness or with the quasispecies complexity of the isolates. From the study of specific-pathogen-free cats experimentally infected with viral isolates associated with NA of different breadths, it appears that the development of FIV vaccines cannot rely on the existence of viral strains inherently capable of inducing especially broad NA responses.

Studies of AIDS vaccination using an ex vivo feline immunodeficiency virus model: protection conferred by a fixed-cell vaccine against cell-free and cell-associated challenge differs in duration and is not easily boosted

Cats immunized with cells infected with a primary isolate of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and fixed with paraformaldehyde were challenged with cell-free or cell-associated homologous virus obtained ex vivo. Complete protection was observed in animals challenged with cell-free virus 4 months after completion of vaccination (p.v.) or with cell-associated virus 12 months p.v. In contrast, no protection was observed in cats challenged with cell-free virus 12 or 28 months p.v. or with cell-associated virus 37.5 months p.v. Prior to the 28- and 37.5-month challenges, the animals had received a booster dose of vaccine that had elicited a robust anamnestic immune response. These results show that vaccine-induced protection against ex vivo FIV is achievable but is relatively short-lived and can be difficult to boost.

Perspectives on FIV vaccine development

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), discovered a decade ago, is the causative agent of feline immunodeficiency syndrome (FAIDS), a chronically degenerative, fatal disease in domestic cats. Our understanding of the immunopathogenesis of FIV has improved but the development of an effective therapy and prophylaxis has been slow, reflecting the remarkable adaptability of the virus to modern medical intervention. FIV vaccine development has had its successes and failures similar to those encountered in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine research. This review summarizes the status of FIV vaccine research, including trials of conventional, recombinant subunit and recombinant vector-based vaccines, and potential mechanisms of vaccine protection. The lessons learned from the FIV model should provide new insights for the approaches toward the development of HIV vaccines.

DNA vaccination using expression vectors carrying FIV structural genes induces immune response against feline immunodeficiency virus

Following inactivated virus vaccination trials, the surface glycoprotein gp120 of the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) was considered as one of the determinants for protection. However, several vaccination trials using recombinant Env protein or some peptides failed to induce protection. To understand the role of the gp120 protein in vivo, we vaccinated cats with naked DNA coding for FIV structural proteins gp120 and p10. We analyzed the ability of these vaccinations to induce immune protection and to influence the onset of infection. Injection in cat muscles of expression vectors coding for the FIV gp120 protein induced a humoral response. Cats immunized twice with the gp120 gene showed different patterns after challenge. Two cats were, like the control cats, infected from the second week after infection onwards. The two others maintained a low proviral load with no modification of their antibody pattern. The immune response induced by gp120 DNA injection could control the level of viral replication. This protective-like immune response was not correlated to the humoral response. All the cats immunized with the gp120 gene followed by the p10 gene were infected, like the control cats, from the second week but they developed a complete humoral response against viral proteins after challenge. Furthermore, they showed a sudden but transient drop of the proviral load at 4 weeks after infection. Under these conditions, one injection of the p10 gene after one injection of the gp120 gene was not sufficient to stimulate protection. On the contrary, after a period, it seems to facilitate virus replication.

Recombinant viral vector vaccines for the veterinary use

Recently, genetically engineering using recombinant DNA techniques has been applied to design new viral vaccines in order to reduce some problems which present viral vaccines have. Up to now, many viruses have been investigated for development of recombinant attenuated vaccines or live viral vectors for delivery of foreign immunogenic antigens. In this review, we introduced three kind of viruses; herpesviruses, vaccinia viruses, and adenoviruses, which have best widely been studied as recombinant vaccines or delivery vaccines for the veterinary use.