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Monoclonal antibodies to feline calicivirus
M J Carter1, E G Routledge, G L Toms
1Department of Virology, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K.
Insights
Researchers developed feline calicivirus (FCV) antibodies targeting distinct epitopes. These tools identified novel FCV proteins (P78, P41, P35, P29) in infected cells, aiding FCV research.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a significant pathogen in cats.
- Understanding FCV protein expression is crucial for developing effective diagnostics and vaccines.
- Previous knowledge of FCV protein composition was limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate and characterize monoclonal antibodies against the FCV capsid protein.
- To identify novel viral proteins expressed during FCV infection.
- To compare the FCV protein profile with other caliciviruses.
Main Methods:
- Production of monoclonal antibodies against FCV capsid protein.
- Epitope mapping to identify distinct antibody binding sites.
- Immunoprecipitation and Western blotting using antibodies and immune cat serum on FCV-infected cells.
Main Results:
- Monoclonal antibodies recognized two distinct epitopes on the FCV capsid protein, with one epitope involved in virus neutralization.
- Novel viral proteins, designated P78, P41, P35, and P29, were identified in FCV-infected cells.
- The identified FCV proteins share similarities in number and size with proteins from other caliciviruses.
Conclusions:
- The developed monoclonal antibodies are valuable tools for FCV research, including neutralization studies.
- The identification of novel FCV proteins expands our understanding of the viral proteome.
- FCV shares conserved protein expression patterns with other members of the Caliciviridae family.
Abstract:
We have prepared monoclonal antibodies to the capsid protein of feline calicivirus (FCV). These antibodies are directed against two close but distinct epitopes, only one of which is involved in virus neutralization. We have used these antibodies and immune cat serum in immunoprecipitation and Western blotting experiments and have identified novel proteins in FCV-infected cells which we term P78, P41, P35 and P29. The number and sizes of FCV proteins now known resemble those made by other caliciviruses.