FIV cross-species transmission: An evolutionary prospective

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2008

Authors

Troyer, JL (Author) Other; VandeWoude, S (Author) Other; Pecon Slattery, J (Author) Other; McIntosh, C (Author) Other; Franklin, S (Author) Other; Agostinho Antunes (Author) Other; Johnson, W (Author) Other; O'Brien, SJ (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology

Vol. 123

Pages: 159-166

ISSN: 0165-2427

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

Scopus - 50 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-008-QYZ

DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2008.01.023

Abstract (EN): Feline and primate immunodeficiency viruses (FIVs, SIVs, and HIV) are transmitted via direct contact (e.g. fighting, sexual contact, and mother-offspring transmission). This dynamic likely poses a behavioral barrier to cross-species transmission in the wild. Recently, several host intracellular anti-viral proteins that contribute to species-specificity of primate lentiviruses have been identified revealing adaptive mechanisms that further limit spread of lentiviruses between species. Consistent with these inter-species transmission barriers, phylogenetic evidence supports the prediction that FIV transmission is an exceedingly rare event between free-ranging cat species, though it has occurred occasionally in captive settings. Recently we documented that puma and bobcats in Southern California share an FIV strain, providing an opportunity to evaluate evolution of both viral strains and host intracellular restriction proteins. These studies are facilitated by the availability of the 2× cat genome sequence annotation. In addition, concurrent viral and host genetic analyses have been used to track patterns of migration of the host species and barriers to transmission of the virus within the African lion. These studies illustrate the utility of FIV as a model to discover the variables necessary for establishment and control of lentiviral infections in new species.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific