H5-based vaccine shows protection for cats against H5N1 in early study

A preprint describes a recombinant H5 hemagglutinin vaccine that elicited neutralizing antibodies and protected domestic cats from disease, mortality and infection in challenge experiments; the manuscript is an unedited version pending further editing before final publication.

A recombinant hemagglutinin H5 vaccine was developed and evaluated in domestic cats. The authors report that vaccinated animals mounted strong neutralizing antibody responses and were protected when exposed to H5N1 virus. H5N1 continues to circulate in wild birds and has spilled over into other mammals, which motivates investigation of protective measures for susceptible felids. The manuscript is provided as an unedited preprint and will undergo further editing prior to final publication. Key findings: - Vaccinated cats developed robust neutralizing antibodies against H5N1. - Immunized animals were reported to be protected from disease and mortality after H5N1 challenge, with reduced virus shedding and lower viremia. - The paper is an unedited manuscript released for early access and will be edited further before final publication. Summary: The reported results indicate the candidate H5 vaccine protected cats in controlled challenge experiments and reduced measures associated with infection and systemic spread. The manuscript is currently an unedited preprint and will undergo further editing before final publication. Broader development, deployment, or regulatory steps were not detailed; undetermined at this time.