Detection of Felis catus papillomavirus type‐2 DNA and viral gene expression suggest active infection in feline oral squamous cell carcinoma

摘要: Papillomavirus (PV) infection is associated with development of epithelial cancer in different species, including domestic cat (Felis catus). Felis catus PV type-2 (FcaPV-2) considered the causative agent a proportion feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), through transforming properties its E6 and E7 oncogenes. However, possible role FcaPVs aetiology oral SCC (FOSCC) still unclear. The aim this study was to assess presence gene expression FcaPV-2 FOSCC samples. We detected DNA 10/32 (31%) analysed by use PCR methods. Importantly, viral mRNA RT-PCR 7/10 (70%) positive In particular, L1, E2 E6E7 genes were found be expressed 5/10 (50%), 3/10 (33%) (50%) samples, respectively. Viral also non neoplastic ulcerative lesions (ULs) (4/11, 36%); qPCR suggested difference load between ULs FOSCCs, particularly those expressing E6E7, although it not statistically significant. These data suggest, but do definively prove, FOSCC. Moreover, L1 results indicate that these tumours may possibly productive.