Canine adenovirus type 2 antigen (CAV-2 antigen)

Canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) antigens are the structural and non-structural proteins of the CAV-2 virus, a member of the Adenoviridae family that primarily causes respiratory disease in dogs (Creative Biolabs, 2024; Today's Veterinary Practice, 2022). The major structural antigens include the hexon, penton base, and fiber proteins, which form the icosahedral capsid and are responsible for viral attachment to the host's Coxsackievirus and Adenovirus Receptor (CAR) (NIH, 2020; MDPI, 2022). These antigens are the primary targets of the host's immune response and are utilized in modified-live and recombinant vaccines to induce protective immunity (ResearchGate, 2020; Frontiers in Microbiology, 2025). Vaccination with CAV-2 antigens is a standard veterinary practice, providing cross-protection against both CAV-2-induced infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) and CAV-1-induced infectious canine hepatitis (The Native Antigen Company, 2024; Today's Veterinary Practice, 2022). In addition to their role in prophylaxis, CAV-2 antigens and the viral capsid are of significant interest in biotechnology as vectors for gene therapy and oncolytic applications due to their ability to transduce various cell types, including neurons (NIH, 2020; ResearchGate, 2022). While generally safe, the use of these antigens in live vaccines carries considerations regarding maternal antibody interference and potential environmental shedding (NIH, 2022; MDPI, 2022).

Other names

CAdV-2 antigensCanine mastadenovirus A antigensKennel cough virus antigensCAV-2 capsid proteins

Induction of protective humoral and cellular immunity through the presentation of viral epitopes to the host immune system, leading to the production of neutralizing antibodies and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes.