A KV vaccine is a killed virus vaccine. This means the vaccine uses viruses that have been inactivated or killed, making them incapable of causing disease. Unlike modified live virus (MLV) vaccines, KV vaccines require multiple doses (at least two) to build sufficient immunity. The initial doses prime the immune system, preparing it for a subsequent booster shot that then provides robust protective immunity.
Several sources illustrate the use of KV vaccines in various applications:
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Veterinary Medicine: KV vaccines are used in FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia) vaccines for cats. They are also components of other animal vaccines, such as those for infectious coryza and Newcastle disease in poultry (Volvac AC+ND KV). Studies have shown that combinations of KV and MLV vaccines can lead to higher virus-neutralizing titers than using only one type. For example, in one study, heifers vaccinated with a KV/MLV combination showed superior virus neutralizing titers compared to MLV/KV and control groups. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10054639/
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Human Medicine: The "killed virus" approach is a classic method for creating safe and effective vaccines for both humans and animals. This approach has been used to create vaccines against various diseases, including HIV/AIDS, although further research and development are often needed to achieve optimal efficacy. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15975019/
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Cancer Vaccines: Research is ongoing in using KV vaccines as a component of cancer vaccines, aiming to stimulate a strong immune response against cancer cells. For instance, studies have shown that KV vaccination can induce a higher proportion of multifunctional HPV-E7-specific CD8+ T cells. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-25506-6
In summary, KV vaccines represent a vital tool in both human and veterinary medicine, offering a safer approach compared to live attenuated vaccines while providing robust immunity with the proper administration schedule.
