The results from the SECRET project are now published in Virology Journal by BMC titled "Canid alphaherpesvirus 1 infection alters the gene expression and secretome profile of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in vitro".

New research has uncovered how canid alphaherpesvirus 1 (CHV) affects canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (cAD-MSCs), raising concerns about viral contamination in regenerative therapies. The study, published in Virology Journal BMC, examined gene expression and secretome changes in infected cAD-MSCs. Findings indicate that CHV significantly modifies stem cell function, influencing migration, stemness, and differentiation. Notably, the virus appears to push cells toward an adipogenic phenotype, which could impact their regenerative potential. These results emphasize the necessity of viral screening in stem cell-based treatments and open new avenues for studying virus-host interactions in canine medicine.

We sincerely acknowledge the support of the Hrvatska zaklada za znanost (Croatian Science Foundation) (HRZZ-UIP-2019-04-2178) and the European Regional Development Fund (CiuK KK.01.1.1.02.0016) for funding this research.