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

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.

Fig. 1

Log base 2 statistical analysis of the Delta variant and Wuhan strain SARS-CoV-2 titrations A) Graphical data of day 0, day 20, and day 42 titers comparing the Delta variant and Wuhan strain of SARS-CoV-2. B) P-value observed differences in the two viral strains.