Canine coronavirus antigens (CCoV antigens)

Canine coronavirus (CCoV) antigens refer to the structural and non-structural proteins of the virus that are recognized by the canine immune system. The most prominent antigen is the Spike (S) protein, which is a large glycoprotein that facilitates viral entry by binding to the host cell receptor, canine aminopeptidase N (CD13) (Decaro & Buonavoglia, 2008). Other essential antigens include the Nucleocapsid (N) protein, which encapsulates the viral RNA, and the Membrane (M) and Envelope (E) proteins, which are vital for viral assembly and structural integrity (Lorusso et al., 2008). These antigens are the primary targets for veterinary vaccines, which utilize inactivated or modified-live virus to stimulate the production of neutralizing antibodies and provide protective immunity (Pratelli, 2008). CCoV is a significant cause of contagious enteric disease in dogs, typically resulting in symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy, particularly in young puppies (Merck Veterinary Manual). While most cases are mild, the antigens are also critical for diagnostic testing, where they are used to detect the presence of the virus or the host's immune response in clinical samples.

Other names

CCoV antigensCanine enteric coronavirus proteinsCCoV structural proteins

Induction of active immunity through the presentation of viral epitopes to B and T lymphocytes, leading to the production of neutralizing antibodies and memory cells (Pratelli, 2008).