Serum Proteomic Profiling Identifies ACSL4 and S100A2 as Novel Biomarkers in Feline Calicivirus Infection

TL;DR

This study identifies two proteins, ACSL4 and S100A2, as potential biomarkers for feline calicivirus infection and disease progression in cats.

Contribution

The study introduces ACSL4 and S100A2 as novel biomarkers for monitoring FCV infection and disease outcomes.

Findings

ACSL4 upregulation is linked to lung injury in FCV-infected cats.

S100A2 downregulation is associated with poor prognosis in FCV-related oral disease.

215 proteins showed shared differential expression across two FCV isolates.

Abstract

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a highly variable RNA virus that infects domestic cats and circulates endemically within feline populations, causing a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, from asymptomatic infections to severe disease. Genomic analysis of 69 FCV strains revealed a high prevalence of the virus across multiple provinces in China. In vitro infection of CRFK cells with laboratory isolates FCV-BJ616 and FCV-BJDX40 resulted in significant cytotoxic effects. Serum proteomic analysis identified 221 upregulated and 123 downregulated proteins following infection with FCV-BJ616, and 233 upregulated and 165 downregulated proteins following infection with FCV-BJDX40. Among these, 215 proteins exhibited shared differential expression. Functional analyses revealed enriched pathways, including TNF signaling and ferroptosis. Notably, upregulation of Acyl-CoA Synthetase Long-Chain Family Member 4 (ACSL4) was correlated with lung injury, while downregulation of S100 Calcium Binding Protein A2 (S100A2) was associated with poor prognosis in FCV-associated oral disease. The differential expression of ACSL4 and S100A2 was further validated through Western blot analysis. These results suggest that ACSL4 and S100A2 are promising candidate biomarkers for monitoring FCV infection and disease progression, laying a foundation for future diagnostic and prognostic applications.

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