FCV-FPV-FHV live virus vaccine based on feline herpesvirus vector
A novel polyvalent live vector vaccine targeting feline herpesvirus type I (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV), and feline parvovirus (FPV). Built on attenuated FHV-1 deletion strains (ΔgI/gE/TK), it expresses FCV VP1 and FPV VP2 antigens to induce robust cellular and humoral immunity against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus infection, and feline panleukopenia.
Overview
This solution is a next-generation polyvalent live vector vaccine designed to protect cats against three major feline pathogens: feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV), and feline parvovirus (FPV, which causes feline panleukopenia). The vaccine leverages genetically engineered, attenuated FHV-1 strains as a live viral vector platform to deliver immunogenic antigens from FCV and FPV, offering broad-spectrum protection in a single formulation. By combining multiple antigens into one vaccine, it reduces the number of administrations required and provides comprehensive coverage against the most common and serious feline viral diseases.
Technical specifications
- Vector backbone: Attenuated FHV-1 strains with deletions in virulence genes gI, gE, and TK, engineered as safe and stable viral vectors
- Inserted antigens: FCV VP1 capsid protein and FPV VP2 capsid protein, expressed by recombinant FHV-1 vectors
- Safety profile: Triple-deletion strains (ΔgI/gE/TK) show significantly reduced virulence, with only transient mild clinical signs and no virus shedding after infection
- Immunogenicity: Two immunizations achieve neutralizing antibody titers of approximately 1:32 or higher, inducing both cellular and humoral immune responses
- Efficacy: Demonstrated protection against challenge with highly pathogenic FCV in vaccinated cats
- Construction: Recombinant viruses (FHV ΔgI/gE FCV VP1 and FHV ΔgI/gE/TK FCV VP1-mCherry-FPV VP2) designed using the attenuated deletion strains as backbone
Technology readiness level
The vaccine is currently at an advanced preclinical stage. The attenuated FHV-1 vector strains have been successfully constructed and characterized for safety and immunogenicity. Two recombinant viruses expressing FCV VP1 and FPV VP2 antigens have already been built and shown to elicit protective immune responses in initial animal studies. Ongoing and planned validation includes further safety and immunogenicity evaluation of the recombinant constructs, with the goal of advancing toward commercial veterinary vaccine development.
About Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute
Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute (SHVRI) is a national, non-profit research institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, established in 1964, with about 137 employees and a focused mission in agricultural biosafety. Located in Minhang, Shanghai, it operates biosafety facilities and platforms for reference testing, surveillance, risk warning, and validation. Its full-chain model connects research with monitoring, diagnostics, product development, and field application, creating practical interfaces with animal-health agencies, veterinary services, producers, and veterinary-medicine companies. Funding includes the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the National Key Research and Development Program, and national and Shanghai agricultural authorities. Patents, veterinary drug approvals, and graduate training provide routes for technology transfer.
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