It has been previously shown that several cat FVRCP vaccines (vaccines against feline herpesvirus, calicivirus and panleukopenia) contain proteins from the cells used to grow the viruses in the laboratory. The cell culture used is called the Crandell Rees Feline Kidney (CRFK) cell line. It has been shown that administering FVRCP vaccines containing CRFK proteins causes formation of antibodies against cat kidney cell proteins. Some cats that received repeated injections of these proteins developed kidney disease. The identity of three of these proteins (α- enolase, annexin A2, cap G/macrophage capping protein) has been discovered. Antibodies against two of these proteins, α-enolase and annexin A2, are associated with immune-mediated disease in people where the antibodies damage multiple organs like the kidneys, joints, eyes, and brain. It is possible that kidney disease and other common feline disease syndromes may develop as a result of over vaccinating cats. This study will develop and validate tests for antibodies against these proteins. A large population of cats will be evaluated using the new tests to determine whether protein-specific antibodies are increased in cats with certain blood work abnormalities. Finally, test results for healthy cats will be compared with results from cats with kidney disease, pancreatitis, stomatitis, and uveitis to determine whether antibody production is associated with these diseases. Results from this study may help design safer feline vaccines in the future.
Grants