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Abstract

Abstract


It was observed that individuals at high risk for AIDS who are exposed to domestic cats may not develop AIDS or ARC. This may be due to protection induced by the Feline Leukemia Virus which is widespread in cats and has not been demonstrated to be pathogenic for humans. Recently developed FeLV subunit vaccines have been recognised as useful models for potential human retrovirus vaccines, but the microstructure of HIV is not conducive to subunit immunogenecity. Due to probable conserved inter-species antigenic determinants and virally-coded membrane neoantigens between FeLV and HIV, FeLV vaccine itself (Leukocell) may be effective in humans. Trials with Leukocell or attenuated strains of FeLV grown in human cell cultures, in simians, and if protective against AIDS and/or retrovirally induced neoplasia, in high-risk human populations is suggested.