Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) was the first feline retrovirus discovered, and is associated with multiple fatal disease syndromes in cats, including lymphoma. The original research conducted on FeLV employed classical virological techniques. As methods have evolved to allow FeLV genetic characterization, investigators have continued to unravel the molecular pathology associated with this fascinating agent. In this review, we discuss how FeLV classification, transmission, and disease-inducing potential have been defined sequentially by viral interference assays, Sanger sequencing, PCR, and next-generation sequencing. In particular, we highlight the influences of endogenous FeLV and host genetics that represent FeLV research opportunities on the near horizon.
Highlights
BackgroundIn the early 1960s, William Jarrett described feline leukemia virus (FeLV) as the infectious agent responsible for approximately half of observed cases of feline leukemia and lymphoma [1]
In the early 1960s, William Jarrett described feline leukemia virus (FeLV) as the infectious agent responsible for approximately half of observed cases of feline leukemia and lymphoma [1].The discovery of this pathogenic gammaretrovirus launched the field of feline retrovirology and discoveries relating to mechanisms of retroviral-induced cancers and oncogenes [2,3]
We review the traditional assays used to establish classical virus subgroups, examine how modern molecular techniques may be used to re-evaluate FeLV subgroup classification schemes, and provide new information to unravel interactions between exogenous and endogenous retroviruses
Summary
In the early 1960s, William Jarrett described feline leukemia virus (FeLV) as the infectious agent responsible for approximately half of observed cases of feline leukemia and lymphoma [1]. The discovery of this pathogenic gammaretrovirus launched the field of feline retrovirology and discoveries relating to mechanisms of retroviral-induced cancers and oncogenes [2,3]. Most of the significant FeLV literature was generated before the development of ‘modern’ molecular techniques. We review the traditional assays used to establish classical virus subgroups, examine how modern molecular techniques may be used to re-evaluate FeLV subgroup classification schemes, and provide new information to unravel interactions between exogenous and endogenous retroviruses
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