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Published on: July 6, 2013
In vitro host range of feline morbillivirus
Shoichi Sakaguchi1, Rie Koide, Takayuki Miyazawa
1Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Department of Cell Biology, Institute for Virus Research, Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawaharacho, Sakyu-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
Abstract:
Feline morbillivirus (FmoPV) is an emerging virus in cats, which is associated with tubulointerstitial nephritis. To study the in vitro host range of FmoPV, we inoculated FmoPV strain SS1 to 32 cell lines originated from 13 species and cultured for 2 weeks, followed by RNA extraction and reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction for FmoPV detection. As a result, only cell lines derived from cats and African green monkeys were susceptible to FmoPV. FmoPV infects diverse feline cell lines: epithelial, fibroblastic, lymphoid and glial cells. These results indicate that the receptor (s) for FmoPV are ubiquitously expressed in cats. No infectivity of FmoPV was observed in human cell lines, which suggests least threatening of cross-species transmission of FmoPV from cats to humans.
Insights
Feline morbillivirus (FmoPV) infects various cat cell types, but not human cells. This emerging feline virus shows a limited host range, primarily affecting felines and African green monkeys.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Comparative Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Feline morbillivirus (FmoPV) is an emerging viral pathogen in domestic cats.
- FmoPV infection is linked to tubulointerstitial nephritis in felines.
- Understanding the in vitro host range is crucial for assessing viral transmission potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the in vitro host range of Feline morbillivirus (FmoPV).
- To investigate the susceptibility of various cell lines to FmoPV infection.
- To assess the potential for cross-species transmission, particularly to humans.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of FmoPV strain SS1 into 32 cell lines from 13 different species.
- Cell culture for two weeks post-inoculation.
- RNA extraction followed by reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for FmoPV detection.
Main Results:
- Only cell lines derived from domestic cats and African green monkeys were susceptible to FmoPV.
- FmoPV demonstrated infectivity across diverse feline cell types, including epithelial, fibroblastic, lymphoid, and glial cells.
- No FmoPV infectivity was observed in tested human cell lines.
Conclusions:
- Feline morbillivirus (FmoPV) exhibits a restricted in vitro host range, primarily infecting feline and African green monkey cells.
- The ubiquitous expression of FmoPV receptors in cats supports its broad infectivity within the feline species.
- The lack of infectivity in human cell lines suggests a low risk of FmoPV cross-species transmission from cats to humans.
