Genomics and Transcriptomics of Canine and Feline Coronaviruses

This lecture will focus on two important veterinary coronavirus-related diseases in companion animals, combining cutting edge research data with clinically relevant information. Novel research data from the MASCOT consortium (Mapping Animal Susceptibility to Coronaviruses : Outcomes and Transcriptomics) will be discussed. Data and clinical presentation will also be compared and contrasted with Covid-19 syndromes in humans, caused by SARS-Cov2.

Canine Respiratory Coronavirus (CRCoV) is a highly contagious beta coronavirus that typically causes mild clinical signs but can also lead to fatal pneumonia.This presentation will review the clinical presentation of CRCoV, as well as discussing host genetic factors contributing to susceptibility. The transcriptomic landscape of affected and unaffected canine lungs will be explored, revealing important lessons regarding the immune response and potential novel treatment targets.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a rare delayed complication of feline infection with an alpha coronavirus - Feline Enteric Coronavirus. Underlying host genetic factors that may contribute to disease risk will be explored, as well as the transciptomic landscape of the lymph nodes, liver and lungs of affected cats. These findings will be discussed in the context of novel emerging therapies for FIP in the clinic.