Speakers - 2025

Abstract

FIV is the only non-primate lentivirus that causes an AIDS-like syndrome, but not always the death of cats. They can live as carriers and transmitters of the disease for many years. The virus's actions depend on the species, coinfections, viral genome, and the age of the host. FIV has the ability to infect CD4 lymphocytes, as well as regulatory T cells, CD8 T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. This virus can also be involved in the infection of some CNS cells such as microglia, astrocytes, and cerebral macrophages, causing chronic encephalopathies, resulting in various clinical signs that disrupt the normal development of their functions. The pathophysiology of FIV, like human HIV, focuses on the progressive destruction of the cat's immune system, making it vulnerable to a variety of diseases and secondary complications. FIV primarily affects CD4 T cells, which are crucial for immune function. Replication of the virus in these cells leads to a decrease in their number and function, as well as alterations in cytokine production and an overactive immune response that can cause inflammation and tissue damage.

Several studies in human medicine have revealed a broad spectrum of applications for artemisinin in antitumor, immune regulation, antibacterial, and antiviral functions over the years. The antiviral effects against human HIV consist primarily of inhibiting the activation of cellular transcription factors, interfering with the viral replication cycle, inducing cell apoptosis, and preventing the virus from binding to host cells. Studies on the antiviral effect of artemisinin in humans may provide new insights into combating the emerging feline viral disease for which no effective antiviral drugs are available.