FELINE BETA

Investigation on Feline Betaretrovirus Infection, Pathogenesis and Missing Piece Hypothesis 


FELINE BETA is a research project funded by the Ministry of Universities and Research under the FIS Starting Grant program, coordinated by Dr. Francesca Parisi, DVM and Researcher in the Department of Veterinary Sciences.
The project will last five years and will begin on June 15, 2026.

The scientific context

Mouse Mammary Tumour Virus (MMTV) is an oncogenic mouse betaretrovirus known for its role in the development of mammary tumors in this species. Studies conducted in cats have highlighted the presence of MMTV-like viral sequences and proteins in feline mammary carcinomas and lymphomas. These data suggest the possible involvement of a betaretrovirus in some feline pathologies, representing the scientific starting point of the project.

Project goals

Through a multidisciplinary approach, FELINE BETA aims to investigate the possible presence of a betaretrovirus in the feline population and its possible role in specific pathologies, such as breast tumors and inflammatory liver diseases. A central aspect of the project will also be the optimisation of innovative, standardised and shareable methods for viral sequence detection.

Methodological approach

The project will analyse breast tumours, liver inflammatory lesions and different feline biological matrices, using samples collected non-invasively or obtained as part of usual clinical practice. The research path will combine multiple levels of investigation: the detection and characterization of viral sequences, the evaluation of viral biological activity, the study of virus-host interactions, and the analysis of possible associated pathogenic mechanisms. FELINE BETA will integrate diverse expertise and technologies, combining histopathology, immunohistochemistry, enzyme immunoassays, molecular, genomic and transcriptomic analyses. The multidisciplinary integration of various data will allow for a more in-depth study of the possible presence of the virus in the feline population and its possible role in specific disease processes.

Perspectives

FELINE BETA will be able to contribute to expanding knowledge in the field of feline pathology and on the possible viral mechanisms involved in the onset and progression of specific cat pathologies. The project’s results will potentially support new prevention, diagnosis, and clinical management strategies. The project also values the role of the cat as a spontaneous model for studying viral pathogenesis, opening up new perspectives for animal health and One Health research.

Collaborations and samples of interest 

FELINE BETA is open to collaboration with veterinary physicians, veterinary clinical facilities, diagnostic laboratories, research institutions, and other public and private entities involved in the collection or management of feline samples.
The project involves the collection and analysis of non-invasive biological samples or those obtained as part of routine clinical practice, from both healthy cats and cats with spontaneous pathologies, with the aim of studying the presence, biological activity, and possible role of an MMTV-like betaretrovirus in the feline population.

Cats with pathologies of interest 

Of particular interest are samples from cats with: 

  • breast tumors;
  • inflammatory liver diseases, including cholangitis and triadites;
  • other clinical conditions deemed relevant to the objectives of the project, subject to agreement
    with the research team.

Samples of interest: neoplastic tissues from breast tumors, liver biopsies or tissues, blood, saliva, feces, samples from necropsy examinations in agreed cases, and other biological matrices useful for the study. For the agreed cases, any histopathological examination, with related diagnostic findings, will be managed according to the procedures defined with the referring body, in compliance with informed consent, the project’s objectives, and applicable regulations.

Healthy cats: kittens, adults, and lactating cats 

The project also includes samples from healthy cats, useful for assessing the possible circulation of the virus in the feline population and for comparing the results obtained in subjects with spontaneous pathologies.
Kittens, adult cats and lactating cats may be included in this category. Samples of interest: saliva, feces, blood; milk in lactating cats; any diagnostic residues or samples from necropsy examinations in the agreed cases.

Deceased subjects and necropsy examinations 

For all categories of interest, samples from deceased subjects can also be evaluated as part of necropsy investigations already planned or requested by the owner, with informed consent and prior agreement with the research team.
For the agreed cases, any necropsy examination, with related diagnostic findings, will be managed according to the procedures defined with the reporting structure, in compliance with informed consent, the project’s objectives, and applicable regulations.

Collection, shipping and collection kit 

To facilitate correct, standardized, and traceable collection, the research team will be able to provide collaborators, by prior agreement, with a kit for the collection, temporary storage, and submission of biological samples required by the project. The kit will be accompanied by operating instructions and necessary documentation. In approved cases, the shipment or possible withdrawal of the biological material will be organized by the research group and the related costs will be borne by the project, according to methods defined in advance with the veterinary doctor or the referring structure. 

Before sending

Before collecting, sending samples, or delivering deceased subjects, it is always necessary to contact the research team to: 

  • verify the suitability of the case;
  • agree on the type of material to be collected;
  • receive the sample collection and storage kit, if applicable;
  • define the methods of storage, documentation, shipping or collection. 

Useful documents

Informed consent
Information sheet

Contacts

For information about the project, to report cases of interest, or to propose a collaboration: 

Dr. Francesca Parisi, DVM, PhD

SSD Researcher MVET-02/A (General Pathology and Veterinary Pathological Anatomy)

Department of Veterinary Sciences
University of Pisa
Email: francesca.parisi@unipi.it

Telephone: +039 050 2216988