Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) is a prevalent pathogen causing reproductive issues in sows and severe respiratory illnesses in pigs across all age groups. This virus also has the capacity to manipulate the pig’s immune system, heightening its vulnerability to other contagious diseases.
The economic toll on the U.S. swine industry due to PRRSV is substantial, with estimated annual costs reaching $1.1 billion, notes a recent University of Nebraska-Lincoln release.
Leading the way in research efforts is Hiep Vu, an associate professor specializing in animal science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This research initiative, supported by a three-year grant from the USDA, is a collaborative endeavor. Sarah Sillman, an assistant professor affiliated with the Nebraska’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center, serves as the co-director alongside Vu.
The researchers plan to investigate the mechanisms by which PRRSV infiltrates swine macrophages – the immune cells responsible for identifying, engulfing and neutralizing harmful invaders, including viruses and bacteria. Viruses can only replicate within living cells they infiltrate, notes the release.
“As long as we can prevent viruses from entering a cell, we can prevent viral infection,” Vu emphasizes.
Understanding the specific cell types that the virus targets and the modes of infiltration enhances scientists’ capabilities to formulate effective vaccines and strategies to counteract the virus’s impact.
A recent breakthrough by Vu involves the identification of a PRRSV variant that has lost much of its ability to infect swine macrophages while still retaining effectiveness in infecting MARC-145 cells. This particular variant carries a tiny genomic alteration compared to the strain that targets macrophages, notes the release. Vu’s upcoming investigation aims to uncover the reasons behind this discrepancy in infectivity.
Finding answers, Vu says, can be critical for the development of a safe and efficacious PRRSV vaccine.
“Additionally, this knowledge will provide novel insights for generating PRRSV-resistant pigs, either through natural selection or genome editing,” Vu explains.
This project underscores the collaboration between diverse fields related to animal health. Vu, a molecular virology expert, and Sillman, an authority in veterinary pathology, bring unique expertise to explore PRRSV characteristics and its impact on pig health.
The research initiative received $627,000 in support from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture through its intramural research program.
