Chimeric PCV2 vaccine effective against maternal antibody
This technology provides a vaccine for Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2), a virus that causes a devastating wasting disease in young pigs. Researchers created a chimeric virus by taking a harmless pig virus (PCV1) and engineering it to carry the outer 'shell' protein of the dangerous PCV2. This trick allows the pig's immune system to recognize and prepare for the real disease without ever being exposed to a version that could make it sick. Crucially, the vaccine is effective even in piglets that still have antibodies from their mother's milk, which usually interferes with early-life vaccinations.
What you could build
A veterinary vaccine administered to piglets to prevent PCV2-related death and weight loss, marketed to large-scale swine producers and animal health distributors.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia's significant swine production industry and major animal health pharmaceutical presence (e.g., Zoetis or Merck Animal Health) make this highly relevant for regional livestock protection.
Readiness: Prototype likely
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Xiang-Jin Meng, Martijn Fenaux, Patrick G. Halbur
- Granted
- December 15, 2015
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 9211324
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.