Pathogenesis of feline infectious peritonitis (B01)

• Subject Area: Virology
• Term: from 2013 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 197785619

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) provides an instructive example of genetic variability being linked to viral pathogenicity. To investigate the molecular basis for the transition from low-pathogenicity (FECV) to high-pathogenicity (FIPV) coronavirus variants, we will characterize recombinant field viruses in vitro and in vivo. First, we will study discriminatory S gene mutations previously identified by comparative sequence analyses of FIPV and FECV isolates. Second, we will investigate the roles of other genetic changes (in S and other genome regions) in FIP development. Third, we will study possible functions of viral accessory proteins (3a, 7a and 7b) in pathogenesis using a range of molecular approaches.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1021: RNA Viruses: RNA Metabolism, Host Response and Pathogenesis
• Applicant Institution: Philipps-Universität Marburg
• Co-Applicant Institution: Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen
• Project Heads: Dr. Gergely Tekes, from 1/2017 until 5/2019; Professor Dr. Heinz-Jürgen Thiel, until 12/2016; Professor Dr. John Ziebuhr