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Moll GM, Swenson CL, Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan V. BET Inhibitor JQ1 Attenuates Feline Leukemia Virus DNA, Provirus, and Antigen Production in Domestic Cat Cell Lines. Viruses 2023; 15:1853. [PMID: 37766260 PMCID: PMC10535802 DOI: 10.3390/v15091853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a cosmopolitan gammaretrovirus that causes lifelong infections and fatal diseases, including leukemias, lymphomas, immunodeficiencies, and anemias, in domestic and wild felids. There is currently no definitive treatment for FeLV, and while existing vaccines reduce the prevalence of progressive infections, they neither provide sterilizing immunity nor prevent regressive infections that result in viral reservoirs with the potential for reactivation, transmission, and the development of associated clinical diseases. Previous studies of murine leukemia virus (MuLV) established that host cell epigenetic reader bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins facilitate MuLV replication by promoting proviral integration. Here, we provide evidence that this facilitatory effect of BET proteins extends to FeLV. Treatment with the archetypal BET protein bromodomain inhibitor (+)-JQ1 and FeLV challenge of two phenotypically disparate feline cell lines, 81C fibroblasts and 3201 lymphoma cells, significantly reduced FeLV proviral load, total FeLV DNA load, and p27 capsid protein expression at nonlethal concentrations. Moreover, significant decreases in FeLV proviral integration were documented in 81C and 3201 cells. These findings elucidate the importance of BET proteins for efficient FeLV replication, including proviral integration, and provide a potential target for treating FeLV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrick M. Moll
- Comparative Medicine & Integrative Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
| | - Cheryl L. Swenson
- Comparative Medicine & Integrative Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
- Department of Pathobiology & Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan
- Comparative Medicine & Integrative Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Giselbrecht J, Bergmann M, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Hartmann K. [Feline leukemia virus infection - a guide to diagnosis]. TIERARZTLICHE PRAXIS. AUSGABE K, KLEINTIERE/HEIMTIERE 2022; 50:198-212. [PMID: 35790167 DOI: 10.1055/a-1845-0750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection affects cats worldwide. The course of FeLV infection can change and vary over time. The complex pathogenesis, the availability of many different testing methods, and the interpretation of test results are often challenging for veterinarians. Cats with progressive infection (persistently p27 antigen-positive) shed FeLV mainly through saliva and are therefore considered a source of infection for uninfected cats. Diagnosing regressive infection is often challenging, since it usually cannot be detected by commonly used point of care-tests (p27 antigen test) and thus, it often remains undetected. Nevertheless, cats with regressive infection are FeLV carriers (provirus-positive) and when the immune system is suppressed, reactivation of the infection and FeLV-associated clinical signs can occur. Abortively infected cats are never viraemic, do not shed virus, and do not develop clinical signs. Abortive infection can solely be diagnosed via antibodies detection in blood. A new point-of-care test for the identification of antibodies against FeLV p15E antigen has recently been introduced on the European market and is currently being evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michèle Bergmann
- Medizinische Kleintierklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
| | | | - Katrin Hartmann
- Medizinische Kleintierklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
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Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus of domestic cats worldwide. Cats lacking strong FeLV-specific immunity and undergoing progressive infection commonly develop fatal FeLV-associated disease. Many aspects of FeLV infection pathogenesis have been elucidated, some during more recent years using molecular techniques. It is recommended that the FeLV status of every cat is known, since FeLV infection can influence the prognosis and clinical management of every sick cat. Moreover, knowledge of a cat's FeLV status is of epidemiological importance to prevent further spread of the infection. CLINICAL CHALLENGES Diagnosing FeLV infection remains challenging due to different outcomes of infection, which can vary over time depending on the balance between the virus and the host's immune system. Furthermore, testing for FeLV infection has become more refined over the years and now includes diagnostic assays for different viral and immunological parameters. Knowledge of FeLV infection pathogenesis, as well as the particulars of FeLV detection methods, is an important prerequisite for correct interpretation of any test results and accurate determination of a cat's FeLV status. AIMS The current review presents recent knowledge on FeLV pathogenesis, key features to be determined in FeLV infection, and frequently used FeLV detection methods, and their characteristics and interpretation. An algorithm for the diagnosis of FeLV infection in a single cat, developed by the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases, is included, and FeLV testing in specific situations is addressed. As well as increasing awareness of this deadly infection in domestic cats, the aim is to contribute diagnostic expertise to allow veterinarians in practice to improve their recognition, and further reduce the prevalence, of FeLV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Prof, Dr med vet, FVH Professor of Laboratory Medicine, Director of Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Head of Clinical Laboratory and Centre for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Prof, Dr med vet, Dr habil, Dip ECVIM-CA (Internal Medicine) Professor of Internal Medicine, Head of Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Germany
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Hartmann K, Hofmann-Lehmann R. What's New in Feline Leukemia Virus Infection. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2020; 50:1013-1036. [PMID: 32680664 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus with global impact on the health of domestic cats that causes tumors (mainly lymphoma), bone marrow disorders, and immunosuppression. The importance of FeLV is underestimated due to complacency associated with previous decline in prevalence. However, with this comes lowered vigilance, which, along with potential for regressively infected cats to reactivate viremia and shed the virus or develop clinical signs, can pose a risk to feline health. This article summarizes knowledge on FeLV pathogenesis, courses of infection, and factors affecting prevalance, infection outcome, and development of FeLV-associated diseases, with special focus on regressive FeLV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine LMU Munich, Veterinaerstrasse 13, Munich 80539, Germany.
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department for Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
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Little S, Levy J, Hartmann K, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Hosie M, Olah G, Denis KS. 2020 AAFP Feline Retrovirus Testing and Management Guidelines. J Feline Med Surg 2020; 22:5-30. [PMID: 31916872 PMCID: PMC11135720 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x19895940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infections are found in cats worldwide. Both infections are associated with a variety of clinical signs and can impact quality of life and longevity. SCOPE This document is an update of the 2008 American Association of Feline Practitioners' feline retrovirus management guidelines and represents current knowledge on pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of retrovirus infections in cats. TESTING AND INTERPRETATION Although vaccines are available for FeLV in many countries and for FIV in some countries, identification of infected cats remains an important factor for preventing new infections. The retrovirus status of every cat at risk of infection should be known. Cats should be tested as soon as possible after they are acquired, following exposure to an infected cat or a cat of unknown infection status, prior to vaccination against FeLV or FIV, and whenever clinical illness occurs. It might not be possible to determine a cat's infection status based on testing at a single point in time; repeat testing using different methods could be required. Although FeLV and FIV infections can be associated with clinical disease, some infected cats, especially those infected with FIV, can live for many years with good quality of life. MANAGEMENT OF INFECTED CATS There is a paucity of data evaluating treatments for infected cats, especially antiretroviral and immunomodulatory drugs. Management of infected cats is focused on effective preventive healthcare strategies, and prompt identification and treatment of illness, as well as limiting the spread of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Levy
- Charing Cross Cat Clinic, Brantford, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Glenn Olah
- Charing Cross Cat Clinic, Brantford, ON, Canada
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Filoni C, Helfer-Hungerbuehler AK, Catão-Dias JL, Marques MC, Torres LN, Reinacher M, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Putative progressive and abortive feline leukemia virus infection outcomes in captive jaguarundis (Puma yagouaroundi). Virol J 2017; 14:226. [PMID: 29149857 PMCID: PMC5693524 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-017-0889-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is an exogenous gammaretrovirus of domestic cats (Felis catus) and some wild felids. The outcomes of FeLV infection in domestic cats vary according to host susceptibility, virus strain, and infectious challenge dose. Jaguarundis (Puma yagouaroundi) are small wild felids from South and Central America. We previously reported on FeLV infections in jaguarundis. We hypothesized here that the outcomes of FeLV infection in P. yagouaroundi mimic those observed in domestic cats. The aim of this study was to investigate the population of jaguarundis at Fundação Parque Zoológico de São Paulo for natural FeLV infection and resulting outcomes. METHODS We investigated the jaguarundis using serological and molecular methods and monitored them for FeLV-related diseases for 5 years. We retrieved relevant biological and clinical information for the entire population of 23 jaguarundis held at zoo. Post-mortem findings from necropsies were recorded and histopathological and immunohistopathological analyses were performed. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were performed for FeLV-positive samples. For sample prevalence, 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Fisher's exact test was used to compare frequencies between infected and uninfected animals. P-values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS In total, we detected evidence of FeLV exposure in four out of 23 animals (17%; 95% CI 5-39%). No endogenous FeLV (enFeLV) sequences were detected. An intestinal B-cell lymphoma in one jaguarundi was not associated with FeLV. Two jaguarundis presented FeLV test results consistent with an abortive FeLV infection with seroconversion, and two other jaguarundis had results consistent with a progressive infection and potentially FeLV-associated clinical disorders and post-mortem changes. Phylogenetic analysis of env revealed the presence of FeLV-A, a common origin of the virus in both animals (100% identity) and the closest similarity to FeLV-FAIDS and FeLV-3281 (98.4% identity), originally isolated from cats in the USA. CONCLUSIONS We found evidence of progressive and abortive FeLV infection outcomes in jaguarundis, and domestic cats were probably the source of infection in these jaguarundis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Filoni
- Institute of Biosciences, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus Botucatu, Rua Professor Doutor Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin SN, Botucatu, São Paulo, 18618-689, Brazil.
| | - A Katrin Helfer-Hungerbuehler
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Clinical Laboratory and Center for Clinical Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - José Luiz Catão-Dias
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, 05508-270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mara Cristina Marques
- Fundação Parque Zoológico de São Paulo (FPZSP), Av. Miguel Stéfano 4241, São Paulo, São Paulo, 04301-905, Brazil
| | - Luciana Neves Torres
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Veterinary Hospital (HOVET), University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, 05508-270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Manfred Reinacher
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Giessen, Frankfurter Strasse 96, Giessen, 35392, Germany
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Clinical Laboratory and Center for Clinical Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
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Krengel A, Cattori V, Meli ML, Wachter B, Böni J, Bisset LR, Thalwitzer S, Melzheimer J, Jago M, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Hofer H, Lutz H. Gammaretrovirus-specific antibodies in free-ranging and captive Namibian cheetahs. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2015; 22:611-7. [PMID: 25809630 PMCID: PMC4446404 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00705-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The cheetah population in Namibia is the largest free-ranging population in the world and a key population for research regarding the health status of this species. We used serological methods and quantitative real-time PCR to test free-ranging and captive Namibian cheetahs for the presence of feline leukemia virus (FeLV), a gammaretrovirus that can be highly aggressive in populations with low genetic diversity, such as cheetahs. We also assessed the presence of antibodies to other gammaretroviruses and the responses to a FeLV vaccine developed for domestic cats. Up to 19% of the free-ranging cheetahs, 27% of the captive nonvaccinated cheetahs, and 86% of the captive vaccinated cheetahs tested positive for FeLV antibodies. FeLV-antibody-positive free-ranging cheetahs also tested positive for Rauscher murine leukemia virus antibodies. Nevertheless, FeLV was not detectable by quantitative real-time PCR and no reverse transcriptase activity was detectable by product-enhanced reverse transcriptase assay in the plasma of cheetahs or the supernatants from cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The presence of antibodies to gammaretroviruses in clinically healthy specimens may be caused either by infection with a low-pathogenic retrovirus or by the expression of endogenous retroviral sequences. The strong humoral immune responses to FeLV vaccination demonstrate that cheetahs can respond to the vaccine and that vaccination against FeLV infection may be beneficial should FeLV infection ever become a threat, as was seen in Iberian lynx and Florida panthers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Krengel
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Valentino Cattori
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marina L Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bettina Wachter
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürg Böni
- Swiss National Center for Retroviruses, Institute for Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Leslie R Bisset
- Swiss National Center for Retroviruses, Institute for Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Jörg Melzheimer
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mark Jago
- The AfriCat Foundation, Otjiwarongo, Namibia
| | | | - Heribert Hofer
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans Lutz
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Helfer-Hungerbuehler AK, Widmer S, Kessler Y, Riond B, Boretti FS, Grest P, Lutz H, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Long-term follow up of feline leukemia virus infection and characterization of viral RNA loads using molecular methods in tissues of cats with different infection outcomes. Virus Res 2015; 197:137-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2014.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Beatty J. Viral causes of feline lymphoma: Retroviruses and beyond. Vet J 2014; 201:174-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Revised: 05/11/2014] [Accepted: 05/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Ho CF, Chan KW, Yang WC, Chiang YC, Chung YT, Kuo J, Wang CY. Development of a multiplex amplification refractory mutation system reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay for the differential diagnosis of Feline leukemia virus vaccine and wild strains. J Vet Diagn Invest 2014; 26:496-506. [DOI: 10.1177/1040638714534850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A multiplex amplification refractory mutation system reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (ARMS RT-PCR) was developed for the differential diagnosis of Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) vaccine and wild-type strains based on a point mutation between the vaccine strain (S) and the wild-type strain (T) located in the p27 gene. This system was further upgraded to obtain a real-time ARMS RT-PCR (ARMS qRT-PCR) with a high-resolution melt analysis (HRMA) platform. The genotyping of various strains of FeLV was determined by comparing the HRMA curves with the defined wild-type FeLV (strain TW1), and the results were expressed as a percentage confidence. The detection limits of ARMS RT-PCR and ARMS qRT-PCR combined with HRMA were 100 and 1 copies of transcribed FeLV RNA per 0.5 ml of sample, respectively. No false-positive results were obtained with 6 unrelated pathogens and 1 feline cell line. Twelve FeLV Taiwan strains were correctly identified using ARMS qRT-PCR combined with HRMA. The genotypes of the strains matched the defined FeLV wild-type strain genotype with at least 91.17% confidence. A higher degree of sequence polymorphism was found throughout the p27 gene compared with the long terminal repeat region. In conclusion, the current study describes the phylogenetic relationship of the FeLV Taiwan strains and demonstrates that the developed ARMS RT-PCR assay is able to be used to detect the replication of a vaccine strain that has not been properly inactivated, thus acting as a safety check for the quality of FeLV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Fang Ho
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan (Ho, Chung, Kuo, Wang)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan (Chan, Yang)
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaoshiung, Taiwan (Chiang)
| | - Kun-Wei Chan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan (Ho, Chung, Kuo, Wang)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan (Chan, Yang)
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaoshiung, Taiwan (Chiang)
| | - Wei-Cheng Yang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan (Ho, Chung, Kuo, Wang)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan (Chan, Yang)
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaoshiung, Taiwan (Chiang)
| | - Yu-Chung Chiang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan (Ho, Chung, Kuo, Wang)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan (Chan, Yang)
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaoshiung, Taiwan (Chiang)
| | - Yang-Tsung Chung
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan (Ho, Chung, Kuo, Wang)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan (Chan, Yang)
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaoshiung, Taiwan (Chiang)
| | - James Kuo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan (Ho, Chung, Kuo, Wang)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan (Chan, Yang)
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaoshiung, Taiwan (Chiang)
| | - Chi-Young Wang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan (Ho, Chung, Kuo, Wang)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan (Chan, Yang)
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaoshiung, Taiwan (Chiang)
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Novacco M, Boretti FS, Franchini M, Riond B, Meli ML, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Protection from reinfection in "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis"-infected cats and characterization of the immune response. Vet Res 2012; 43:82. [PMID: 23216686 PMCID: PMC3558367 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9716-43-82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2012] [Accepted: 11/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
“Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis” (CMt) is a hemoplasma species of felids. Recent evidence has shown that cats that overcome bacteremia may be protected from reinfection. The purposes of this study were to (1) re-inoculate ostensibly recovered cats, (2) evaluate the immune response and (3) assess CMt tissue loads. Fifteen specified pathogen-free cats were subcutaneously inoculated with CMt: 10 cats (group A) had previously undergone bacteremia and recovered, and 5 naïve cats (group B) served as controls. CMt infections were monitored by real-time PCR using blood and tissue, and the humoral immune response was assessed using DnaK ELISA. Cytokine mRNA expression levels were measured by real-time PCR, and lymphocyte subsets were detected by flow cytometry. The cats in group A were protected from reinfection (no detectable bacteremia) and showed a transient decrease in antibodies. Eosinophilia was noted in cats from group A. The cats from group B became PCR-positive and seroconverted. All of the tissues analyzed from the cats in group B but none of the tissues analyzed from the cats in group A were CMt PCR-positive. Significant changes were observed in the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, interleukin-4 and the Th2/Th1 ratio in both groups. The cats from group A occasionally showed higher numbers of CD4+, CD8+, CD4+CD25+ and CD5+MHCII+ T lymphocytes than the control cats. In conclusion, this study describes, for the first time, the occurrence of immunological protection within the same hemoplasma species. Furthermore, the immune response during CMt infections appeared to be skewed toward the Th2 type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilisa Novacco
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland.
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Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are retroviruses with global impact on the health of domestic cats. The two viruses differ in their potential to cause disease. FeLV is more pathogenic, and was long considered to be responsible for more clinical syndromes than any other agent in cats. FeLV can cause tumors (mainly lymphoma), bone marrow suppression syndromes (mainly anemia), and lead to secondary infectious diseases caused by suppressive effects of the virus on bone marrow and the immune system. Today, FeLV is less commonly diagnosed than in the previous 20 years; prevalence has been decreasing in most countries. However, FeLV importance may be underestimated as it has been shown that regressively infected cats (that are negative in routinely used FeLV tests) also can develop clinical signs. FIV can cause an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome that increases the risk of opportunistic infections, neurological diseases, and tumors. In most naturally infected cats, however, FIV itself does not cause severe clinical signs, and FIV-infected cats may live many years without any health problems. This article provides a review of clinical syndromes in progressively and regressively FeLV-infected cats as well as in FIV-infected cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Hartmann
- Medizinische Kleintierklinik, LMU University of Munich, Germany, Veterinaerstrasse 13, 80539 Munich, Germany.
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14
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Infectious Diseases. THE CAT 2012. [PMCID: PMC7161403 DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4377-0660-4.00033-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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15
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Katrin Helfer-Hungerbuehler A, Cattori V, Bachler B, Hartnack S, Riond B, Ossent P, Lutz H, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Quantification and molecular characterization of the feline leukemia virus A receptor. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2011; 11:1940-50. [PMID: 21889617 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2011.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2011] [Revised: 07/30/2011] [Accepted: 08/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Virus receptors and their expression patterns on the cell surface determine the cell tropism of the virus, host susceptibility and the pathogenesis of the infection. Feline thiamine transport protein 1 (fTHTR1) has been identified as the receptor for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) A. The goal of the present study was to develop a quantitative, TaqMan real-time PCR assay to investigate fTHTR1 mRNA expression in tissues of uninfected and FeLV-infected cats, cats of different ages, in tumor tissues and leukocyte subsets. Moreover, the receptor was molecularly characterized in different feline species. fTHTR1 mRNA expression was detected in all 30 feline tissues investigated, oral mucosa scrapings and blood. Importantly, identification of significant differences in fTHTR1 expression relied on normalization with an appropriate reference gene. The lowest levels were found in the blood, whereas high levels were measured in the oral mucosa, salivary glands and the musculature. In the blood, T lymphocytes showed significantly higher fTHTR1 mRNA expression levels than neutrophil granulocytes. In vitro activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with concanavalin A alone or followed by interleukin-2 led to a transient increase of fTHTR1 mRNA expression. In the blood, but not in the examined tissues, FeLV-infected cats tended to have lower fTHTR1 mRNA levels than uninfected cats. The fTHTR1 mRNA levels were not significantly different between tissues with lymphomas and the corresponding non-neoplastic tissues. fTHTR1 was highly conserved among different feline species (Iberian lynx, Asiatic and Indian lion, European wildcat, jaguarundi, domestic cat). In conclusion, while ubiquitous fTHTR1 mRNA expression corresponded to the broad target tissue range of FeLV, particularly high fTHTR1 levels were found at sites of virus entry and shedding. The differential susceptibility of different species to FeLV could not be attributed to variations in the fTHTR1 sequence.
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Drechsler Y, Bohls RL, Smith R, Silvy N, Lillehoj H, Collisson EW. An avian, oncogenic retrovirus replicates in vivo in more than 50% of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes from an endangered grouse. Virology 2009; 386:380-6. [PMID: 19237181 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2009.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2008] [Revised: 12/15/2008] [Accepted: 01/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Reoccurring infection of reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV), an avian oncogenic retrovirus, has been a major obstacle in attempts to breed and release an endangered grouse, the Attwater's prairie chicken (Tympanicus cupido attwateri). REV infection of these birds in breeding facilities was found to result in significant decreases in the CD4(+) and increases in the CD8(+) lymphocyte populations, although experimental infection of birds resulted in only increases in the CD8(+) lymphocytes. Because our indirect immunofluorescent assay readily detected infection of both CD4(+) and CD8(+) lymphocytes, a triple labeling flow cytometric procedure was developed to quantify the individual lymphocytes infected in vivo with REV. Lymphocytes were gated with a biotinylated pan-leukocyte marker bound to streptavidin R-PE-Cy5. Chicken CD4 or CD8 specific mouse MAb directly labeled with R-PE identified the phenotype and with permeabilizing of cells, infection was indirectly labeled with rabbit IgG specific for the REV gag polypeptide and FITC conjugated goat anti-rabbit antibody. More than 50% of the total lymphocytes and of the total CD4(+) or CD8(+) lymphocytes supported in vivo viral expression in all infected birds examined. Remarkably, this level of infection was detected in the absence of visible clinical signs of illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Drechsler
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
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17
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Pontier D, Fouchet D, Bahi-Jaber N, Poulet H, Guiserix M, Natoli E, Sauvage F. When domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) population structures interact with their viruses. C R Biol 2008; 332:321-8. [PMID: 19281962 PMCID: PMC7185750 DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2008.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2008] [Accepted: 07/21/2008] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Many theoretical studies have proposed different causal mechanisms by which the structure of a host population could have important implications for life history traits of pathogens. However, little information is available from real systems to test these hypotheses. The domestic cat, Felis silvestris catus, whose populations exhibit a great variability in social and spatial structure, represent an ideal case study to assess this question. In the present article, we show how cat population structure may have influenced the evolution of feline viruses and, in return, how these viruses may have modified the genetic structure of cat populations. To cite this article: D. Pontier et al., C. R. Biologies 332 (2009).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Pontier
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, 69622 Villeurbanne, France.
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18
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Levy J, Crawford C, Hartmann K, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Little S, Sundahl E, Thayer V. 2008 American Association of Feline Practitioners' feline retrovirus management guidelines. J Feline Med Surg 2008; 10:300-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfms.2008.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are among the most common infectious diseases of cats. Although vaccines are available for both viruses, identification and segregation of infected cats form the cornerstone for preventing new infections. Guidelines in this report have been developed for diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and management of FeLV and FIV infections. All cats should be tested for FeLV and FIV infections at appropriate intervals based on individual risk assessments. This includes testing at the time of acquisition, following exposure to an infected cat or a cat of unknown infection status, prior to vaccination against FeLV or FIV, prior to entering group housing, and when cats become sick. No test is 100% accurate at all times under all conditions; results should be interpreted along with the patient's health and risk factors. Retroviral tests can diagnose only infection, not clinical disease, and cats infected with FeLV or FIV may live for many years. A decision for euthanasia should never be based solely on whether or not the cat is infected. Vaccination against FeLV is highly recommended in kittens. In adult cats, antiretroviral vaccines are considered non-core and should be administered only if a risk assessment indicates they are appropriate. Few large controlled studies have been performed using antiviral or immunomodulating drugs for the treatment of naturally infected cats. More research is needed to identify best practices to improve long-term outcomes following retroviral infections in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Levy
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Cynda Crawford
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Veterinaerstrasse 13, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Susan Little
- Winn Feline Foundation, 1805 Atlantic Avenue, PO Box 1005, Manasquan, NJ 08736-0805, United States
| | - Eliza Sundahl
- KC Cat Clinic, 7107 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64114, United States
| | - Vicki Thayer
- Purrfect Practice PC, PO Box 550, Lebanon, OR 97355, United States
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Tandon R, Cattori V, Pepin AC, Riond B, Meli ML, McDonald M, Doherr MG, Lutz H, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Association between endogenous feline leukemia virus loads and exogenous feline leukemia virus infection in domestic cats. Virus Res 2008; 135:136-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2008.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2007] [Revised: 02/28/2008] [Accepted: 02/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Cattori V, Pepin AC, Tandon R, Riond B, Meli ML, Willi B, Lutz H, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Real-time PCR investigation of feline leukemia virus proviral and viral RNA loads in leukocyte subsets. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2008; 123:124-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2008.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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