About the Journal

Feline Coronaviruses: Research, Pathogenesis and Therapeutics is a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to publishing cutting-edge research on all aspects of Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) biology, epidemiology, and clinical management. Recognizing that Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) represents a critical clinical consequence of FCoV infection, the journal adopts a broad, forward-looking perspective that encompasses the entire FCoV research continuum—from fundamental molecular virology to translational therapeutics and population-level disease control.

Our mission is to serve as the premier global forum for scientists, veterinarians, and clinicians working to unravel the complexities of FCoV infection, its evolutionary dynamics, and its associated pathologies. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we aim to accelerate the development of effective diagnostic tools, antiviral strategies, and preventive measures that will ultimately improve feline health and welfare worldwide.

The journal invites original research articles, comprehensive reviews, brief communications, and case reports across the full spectrum of FCoV-related topics, including but not limited to:

1. FCoV Virology & Viral Genetics

  • Molecular characterization of FCoV genotypes (Type I and Type II)

  • Viral genome structure, replication mechanisms, and functional genomics

  • Mutational landscapes and the molecular basis of the biotype switch (avirulent FCoV → virulent FIPV)

  • Role of accessory genes and non-structural proteins in viral fitness and pathogenicity

  • Comparative coronavirology: FCoV as a model for other coronavirus infections

2. FCoV Epidemiology & Population Dynamics

  • Prevalence and distribution of FCoV in domestic cats, breeding catteries, shelters, and wild felid populations

  • Risk factors for FCoV shedding, transmission routes, and environmental persistence

  • Longitudinal cohort studies on FCoV seroprevalence and fecal shedding patterns

  • Molecular epidemiology and phylodynamics of FCoV lineages across geographical regions

  • Superinfection, co-infection, and viral quasispecies dynamics within feline populations

3. FIP Pathogenesis & Immunopathology

  • Mechanisms of FIP development: from enteric replication to systemic macrophage/monocyte infection

  • The role of the immune response in FIP pathogenesis: antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), cytokine storm, and T-cell dysregulation

  • Genetic and host susceptibility factors predisposing cats to FIP

  • Histopathological characterization of effusive (wet) and non-effusive (dry) FIP forms

  • Comparative pathogenesis: FIP as a paradigm for coronavirus-induced immunopathology

4. FCoV Evolution, Mutation & Emergence

  • Spatiotemporal dynamics of FCoV genetic diversity and evolutionary trajectories

  • Identification of key mutations (e.g., in spike, ORF3, ORF7 genes) associated with virulence

  • Evolutionary pressures driving FCoV adaptation to different host environments

  • Recombination events and the emergence of novel FCoV variants

  • Implications of viral evolution for vaccine design and antiviral resistance

5. Diagnostic Approaches for FCoV & FIP

  • Development and validation of molecular diagnostic tools: RT-qPCR, digital droplet PCR, and next-generation sequencing (NGS)

  • Serological assays: antibody detection (ELISA, IFA, virus neutralization) and their limitations

  • Biomarker discovery for early and accurate FIP diagnosis (e.g., acute-phase proteins, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein – AGP)

  • Point-of-care testing and field-deployable diagnostic platforms

  • Imaging and histopathology in FIP diagnosis

  • Distinguishing FCoV infection from FIP: challenges and emerging solutions

6. Antiviral Therapeutics & Clinical Management

  • Preclinical and clinical evaluation of antiviral agents:

    • GS-441524 and its prodrugs

    • Remdesivir (GS-5734)

    • Molnupiravir (EIDD-2801) and other nucleoside analogues

    • Protease inhibitors, helicase inhibitors, and host-targeting antivirals

  • Combination therapy strategies and treatment protocols

  • Pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and dosing optimization in feline patients

  • Management of FIP: treatment outcomes, relapse, and long-term follow-up

  • Antiviral resistance: mechanisms, surveillance, and clinical implications

  • Supportive care and adjunctive immunomodulatory therapies

7. Immunology of FCoV Infection & Host Defense

  • Innate immune recognition of FCoV and interferon-mediated antiviral responses

  • Adaptive immunity: humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to FCoV

  • Immune evasion strategies employed by FCoV

  • Host genetic determinants of susceptibility and resistance to FCoV infection and FIP

  • Role of mucosal immunity in FCoV transmission and control

  • Immunomodulation as a therapeutic approach in FIP

8. Vaccine Research & Prophylactic Strategies

  • Design and evaluation of novel vaccine candidates:

    • Subunit vaccines, virus-like particles (VLPs), and recombinant vector-based vaccines

    • mRNA and DNA vaccine platforms

    • Attenuated live vaccines and their safety/efficacy profiles

  • Correlates of protection against FCoV infection and FIP

  • Vaccination strategies in high-risk populations (catteries, shelters, multi-cat households)

  • Challenges in FIP vaccine development: ADE and other immune-related hurdles

9. Infection Control & Population Health Management

  • Biosecurity and infection control protocols in catteries, shelters, and veterinary clinics

  • Strategies to reduce FCoV shedding and environmental contamination

  • Screening and surveillance programs for FCoV in breeding colonies

  • Management of FCoV-seropositive and FCoV-shedding cats

  • Public health education and owner awareness initiatives

  • One Health perspectives: FCoV as a model for understanding coronavirus ecology and emergence

10. Molecular Biology & Pathogen-Host Interactions

  • Host cellular factors involved in FCoV entry, replication, and egress

  • Receptor usage and tropism determinants (feline APN, etc.)

  • Transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic profiling of FCoV-infected cells and tissues

  • CRISPR/Cas9 and other genetic tools for studying FCoV-host interactions

  • In vitro and in vivo models for FCoV and FIP research

11. Emerging Topics & Future Directions

  • Long-term consequences of FCoV infection and antiviral treatment

  • FCoV as a comparative model for human coronavirus diseases (SARS-CoV-2, MERS, etc.)

  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in FCoV research

  • Big data approaches to FCoV genomics and epidemiology

  • Ethical considerations in FCoV and FIP research

  • Translational research: from bench to bedside and back

Journal Features & Commitments

  • Rigorous Peer Review: All submissions undergo a thorough, double-anonymized peer review process by leading experts in the field to ensure scientific integrity and quality.

  • Open Access Options: The journal offers both subscription-based and open-access publishing models to maximize the reach and impact of published research.

  • Rapid Publication: We are committed to timely decision-making and swift publication of high-impact findings without compromising scientific rigor.

  • Global Perspective: We actively encourage submissions from researchers worldwide, particularly those from under-represented regions, to ensure a diverse and inclusive scientific discourse.

  • Interdisciplinary Focus: By bridging virology, immunology, pharmacology, epidemiology, and clinical veterinary medicine, the journal provides a unique platform for holistic approaches to FCoV research.

Target Audience

The journal serves a diverse readership, including:

  • Virologists and molecular biologists

  • Veterinary clinicians and internists

  • Immunologists and pathologists

  • Epidemiologists and public health veterinarians

  • Pharmacologists and drug development scientists

  • Geneticists and evolutionary biologists

  • Veterinary students, residents, and academic researchers

  • Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies specializing in antiviral therapies

Why Publish with Us?

  • Focused Scope: A dedicated journal exclusively addressing FCoV and FIP—the only one of its kind.

  • High Visibility: Your research reaches a targeted, engaged audience of specialists and practitioners.

  • Expert Editorial Board: An international team of distinguished scientists and clinicians guides the journal's scientific direction.

  • Impactful Science: We prioritize research that has the potential to translate into tangible improvements in feline health and clinical practice.

Feline Coronaviruses: Research, Pathogenesis and Therapeutics is more than a journal—it is a collaborative endeavor to unite the global scientific community in the fight against FCoV and FIP. We invite you to join us in this vital mission.

"Advancing science. Transforming lives. One feline at a time."