Host–Virus Interactions in Feline Kidney Cells Infected with a Chinese Epidemic Strain of Feline Panleukopenia Virus Analysed Using RNA-Seq

Feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV) is a significant causative agent of disease in both domestic cats and wild carnivores that poses a considerable threat to their health. Despite its clinical importance, the mechanisms underlying FPLV-host interactions remain poorly understood. In this study, we conducted a systematic analysis of transcriptomic changes in feline kidney cells (F81) infected with a Chinese FPLV strain using RNA-seq. The down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were majorly enriched in the regulation of the cell cycle, cell growth, or cell senescence, while the up-regulated DEGs were found to be significantly associated with cellular pathways involved in cell cycle regulation, extrinsic apoptotic signaling, and key host immune responses, including Toll-like receptor, JAK-STAT, IL-17, and TNF signaling pathways. By validating the RNA-seq data with RT-qPCR (real-time quantitative PCR) results, we identified potentially important immune-associated genes involved in the host immune response to feline panleukopenia virus, including IGSF6, IFI44L, IFI6, IFITM10, IL1R1, and JAK3. Overall, our results provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying feline panleukopenia virus and its interactions with its host, laying the foundation for future research on this significant virus and its impact on feline health.