Developing an Organoid Model to Study Feline Infectious Peritonitis

SUMMARY: Researchers will develop an intestinal organoid model, miniature 3D organ-like structures grown from stem cells, to study cat coronaviruses. 
  
THE PROBLEM: Feline infectious peritonitis is a deadly cat coronavirus disease. Estimates indicate that FIP is responsible for 0.3-1.4% of feline deaths in veterinary institutions, while shelters and catteries experience a higher percentage of 3.6-7.8%. Kittens are more susceptible to FIP than adult cats, with 50% of cats with FIP being younger than two years old. Regrettably, most cats diagnosed with FIP die without treatment because of the unavailability of effective long-term management strategies. FIP is not easy to detect before it develops, and no FDA-approved treatments are currently available.   

THE PROJECT: Cat coronaviruses are not easy to maintain in the laboratory. The lack of study models has slowed our understanding of how these viruses grow and develop disease. To tackle this issue, researchers will use a new cat cell culture method known as intestinal organoids, miniature 3D, organ-like structures, to grow and study cat coronaviruses that affect the gastrointestinal tract.   

POTENTIAL IMPACT: Learning about cat coronaviruses is vital to improving diagnosis and developing new vaccines and effective drugs. The novel organoid model is an essential tool for future studies to test novel vaccines and drugs for FIP and will be valuable in helping identify reliable diagnostic strategies.