Related Experiment Videos
Feline lentiviruses demonstrate differences in receptor repertoire and envelope structural elements
Natalia Smirnova1, Jennifer L Troyer, Jennifer Schissler
1Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, 1619 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1619, USA.
Virology
|August 27, 2005
Summary
Lesser-known feline lentiviruses (LLV) and puma lentiviruses (PLV) infect domestic cat T cells differently than feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). These viruses use novel cell entry mechanisms, impacting their disease potential.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Comparative Biology
Background:
- Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) causes T cell depletion and immunodeficiency in domestic cats.
- Pumas and lions host distinct, apparently apathogenic lentiviruses (PLV, LLV).
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the cellular receptor usage and entry mechanisms of FIV, PLV, and LLV.
- To understand the divergent tropism and biological properties of these feline lentiviruses.
Main Methods:
- Evaluating target cell susceptibility to FIV, PLV, and LLV.
- Measuring viral replication with receptor antagonists and heparin exposure.
- Comparing viral Env (envelope) gene sequences and structural motifs.
Main Results:
- LLV and PLV productively infected domestic feline T cells, unlike FIV.
- PLV and LLV entry were independent of CXCR4 and enhanced by heparin, differing from FIV.
- Viral Env proteins showed significant sequence and structural divergence in receptor binding domains.
- PLV infection was inhibited by CD134/OX40 antibody, suggesting alternative entry pathways.
Conclusions:
- LLV and PLV utilize novel, more promiscuous cell entry mechanisms than FIV.
- These distinct entry strategies contribute to the divergent tropism and biological properties of these feline lentiviruses.
- LLV and PLV infections may interfere with FIV superinfection.