Investigating Viral Mutations Associated with a New Form of Feline Infectious Peritonitis

SUMMARY: Researchers will study the effect mutations of FCoV-2 on the development of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).

THE PROBLEM: Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is one of the most important infectious diseases of cats. Most cases are caused by a virus that is known as type 1 feline coronavirus (FCoV-1). FIP cases are caused by a mutated form of this virus. The recent widespread outbreak of FIP in Cyprus was caused by a distinct type 2 virus (FCoV-2) that originated in dogs and while less common, FCoV-2 has high impact and may spread more easily. Understanding the mechanisms that allow this to happen are important not only to control disease but also because this information could have implications for future coronavirus outbreaks.

THE PROJECT: Many viruses are activated though the action of proteases, which make specific cuts in proteins to activate the virus for infection. For FCoV-1, the Whittaker lab has previously linked defined mutations in this activation site to the presence of FIP. The study team aims to do a similar assessment of mutations to FCoV-2 that are thought to cause FIP.

POTENTIAL IMPACT: By assessing the mutations in FCoV-2 that are thought to cause FIP, the project’s results might provide a way to manage the disease for these FCoV-2 viruses that are at high risk of causing increased disease in cats.