Multi-subtype FIV vaccines

Abstract

The subject invention pertains to novel methods and compositions for protecting cats from infection by a broad range of FIV strains using a multi-subtype FIV vaccine. Multi-subtype FIV vaccines comprising either cell free whole virus or cell lines infected with viruses are described. Methods for vaccinating cats with the subject vaccine compositions are also described. Cats vaccinated according to the methods and compositions of the subject invention exhibit protective humoral and cellular immune responses to FIV when challenged with homologous or heterologous strains of FIV. The subject invention also pertains to novel feline cell lines that are susceptible to infection by FIV and their methods of use.

1 . A vaccine composition that induces a protective immune response against two or more subtypes of FIV in an animal susceptible to infection by FIV, comprising an effective amount of an FIV immunogen to induce said immune response, wherein said FIV immunogen comprises an immunogen or immunogens from or comprising at least two different FIV subtypes, and wherein said immunogen or immunogens comprises at least one recombinant viral vector FIV construct. 
     
     
         2 . A vaccine composition that induces a protective immune response against two or more subtypes of FIV in an animal susceptible to infection by FIV, comprising an effective amount of an FIV immunogen to induce said immune response, wherein said FIV immunogen comprises an immunogen or immunogens from or comprising at least two different FIV subtypes, and wherein said immunogen or immunogens comprise cell-free whole or partial FIV virus or a cell or cells infected with FIV virus, wherein said FIV virus or cell is treated by exposure to paraformaldehyde, formalin, phenol, UV light, or heat to attenuate or inactivate said FIV virus or said FIV virus infecting said cell prior to administration of said vaccine to said animal. 
     
     
         3 . A method for inducing a protective immune response against two or more subtypes of FIV in an animal susceptible to infection by FIV, comprising administering to said animal an effective amount of a vaccine composition comprising an FIV immunogen, wherein said FIV immunogen comprises an immunogen or immunogens from or comprising at least two different FIV subtypes, and wherein said immunogen or immunogens comprises at least one recombinant viral vector FIV construct. 
     
     
         4 . A method for inducing a protective immune response against two or more subtypes of FIV in an animal susceptible to infection by FIV, comprising administering to said animal an effective amount of an FIV immunogen to induce said immune response, wherein said FIV immunogen comprises an immunogen or immunogens from or comprising at least two different FIV subtypes, and wherein said immunogen or immunogens comprise cell-free whole or partial FIV virus or a cell or cells infected with FIV virus, wherein said FIV virus or cell is treated by exposure to paraformaldehyde, formalin, phenol, UV light, or heat to attenuate or inactivate said FIV virus or said FIV virus infecting said cell prior to administration of said vaccine to said animal.