Unlocking the secrets of Feline calicivirus: advances in structural and nonstructural proteins and its role as a key model for other Caliciviruses.

Abstract

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a highly contagious pathogen responsible for respiratory infections, lingual ulceration, oral ulcers and systemic diseases in cats, posing a significant risk to feline family worldwide. Virus enters via nasal oral and conjunctival routes. Oropharynx is primary site of replication, induces epithelial necrosis. After recovery from acute disease most cats clear virus within 30 days. Some lifelong carriers via colonization of tonsillar and other tissues. Understanding the structural and nonstructural proteins of FCV is essential to know viral replication process, its pathogenesis and interaction with host immune system. This manuscript outlines the recent progress made on the characterization of FCV proteins with respect to their involvement in viral assembly, entry, immune evasion, and replication. Although structural proteins such as capsid have received most attention regarding viral attachment and host specificity, but nonstructural proteins are emerging as key players in influencing host cell activities and viral RNA synthesis. This review highlights the requirement for advanced structural research methods, large-scale antiviral screening, and thorough investigations into FCV-host interactions. These studies will not only enable us fully understand FCV, but also promote the progress of more universally applicable virological research and drug development.