2024.03.14
FeLIX is a restriction factor for mammalian retrovirus infection
A research group at Yamaguchi University has discovered that FeLIX, a secretory protein present in domestic cats, blocks infection by various retroviruses, including feline leukemia virus (FeLV-B).
FeLV is a virus that causes anemia and leukemia in domestic cats. FeLV-A, which spreads among domestic cats, undergoes genetic recombination within the body to produce FeLV-B, but this FeLV-B does not spread. Research revealed that FeLIX suppresses infection by masking the receptor for FeLV-B.
This FeLIX protein originates from an ancient virus that infected the ancestors of domestic cats approximately 700,000 years ago. It circulates in the bloodstream and functions as an infection defense factor. This discovery is expected to aid in developing new preventive measures and treatments for infectious diseases.
- Division of Translational Research for One Medicine
- Kazuo Nishigaki (Pathogenetic and Preventive Veterinary Science)
- Tetle：FeLIX is a restriction factor for mammalian retrovirus infection
- Authors：Didik Pramono、Takeuchi Dai, Masato Kamo, Loai AbuEed, Dimas Abdillah, Kimura Toru, Kawasaki Junna, Miyake Zai, Nishigaki Kazuo
- Affiliation:
Pathogenetic and Preventive Veterinary Science：Didik Pramono、 Takeuchi Dai, Masato Kamo, Loai AbuEed, Dimas Abdillah, Miyako Miyake, Kazuo Nishigaki
Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine：Toru Kimura
Waseda University, Institute of Science and Engineering: Junna Kawasaki - Journal: Journal of Virology
- Publication Date: March 5, 2024
- DOI：https://doi.org/10.1128/jvi.01771-23
- ＜Regarding research＞
- Pathogenetic and Preventive Veterinary Science
- Kazuo Nishigaki
- E-mail: kaz@ (address@ followed by → yamaguchi-u.ac.jp)
- ＜Regarding public relations＞
- Yamaguchi University Research Institute for Cell Design Medical Science (Research Institute Section, Life Science Support Division, Academic Research Department)
- Tel：0836-85-3065
- E-mail：sh088@（followed by→yamaguchi-u.ac.jp）