Research progress on feline morbillivirus infection

Feline morbillivirus （FeMV） is identified as an enveloped negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus and is classified into the genus Morbillivirus within the family Paramyxoviridae. FeMV was found to be distributed globally and was categorized into two genotypes， designated GT1 and GT2. The urinary system was identified as the primary target tissue of the virus； persistent infection could be induced by FeMV， and viral transmission was achieved through virion shedding in urine. Its host cell receptors were suggested to be associated with signaling lymphocyte activation molecule and nectin-4. The potential linkage between FeMV and feline tubulointerstitial nephritis as well as feline chronic kidney disease was noticed and has aroused widespread concern. Nevertheless， whether FeMV acts as a direct causative agent of feline chronic kidney disease has not been fully determined. Although a correlation between FeMV and renal tubular injury was supported by several studies， the detailed pathogenic mechanism of the virus has not yet been elucidated. In this context， research progress on the molecular characteristics， epidemiology， pathogenic mechanism and detection methods of FeMV was reviewed， with the aim of providing theoretical references for the diagnosis， prevention and control of this viral pathogen.