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Molecular basis of pathogenesis of FMDV
Peter W Mason1, Marvin J Grubman, Barry Baxt
1USDA, ARS Plum Island Animal Disease Center, ARS. PO Box 848, Greenport, NY 11944, USA. pwmason@utmb.edu
Abstract:
Current understanding of the molecular basis of pathogenesis of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been achieved through over 100 years of study into the biology of the etiologic agent, FMDV. Over the last 40 years, classical biochemical and physical analyses of FMDV grown in cell culture have helped to reveal the structure and function of the viral proteins, while knowledge gained by the study of the virus' genetic diversity has helped define structures that are essential for replication and production of disease. More recently, the availability of genetic engineering methodology has permitted the direct testing of hypotheses formulated concerning the role of individual RNA structures, coding regions and polypeptides in viral replication and disease. All of these approaches have been aided by the simultaneous study of other picornavirus pathogens of animals and man, most notably poliovirus. Although many questions of how FMDV causes its devastating disease remain, the following review provides a summary of the current state of knowledge into the molecular basis of the virus' interaction with its host that produces one of the most contagious and frightening diseases of animals or man.
Insights
Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) pathogenesis is understood through 100 years of research. Molecular studies reveal viral structures and genetic elements crucial for FMDV replication and disease.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious animal disease caused by the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV).
- Over a century of research has been dedicated to understanding FMDV's molecular basis of pathogenesis.
- Classical biochemical and genetic analyses have elucidated viral protein structure, function, and essential genetic elements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the current knowledge on the molecular basis of FMDV pathogenesis.
- To highlight the interplay between FMDV and its host.
- To provide an overview of FMDV's interaction with its host.
Main Methods:
- Classical biochemical and physical analyses of FMDV in cell culture.
- Study of FMDV genetic diversity.
- Application of genetic engineering methodologies.
- Comparative studies with other picornaviruses like poliovirus.
Main Results:
- Identification of viral protein structures and functions essential for replication.
- Definition of genetic elements critical for FMDV production of disease.
- Advancement in testing hypotheses regarding viral RNA, coding regions, and polypeptides.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress has been made in understanding FMDV molecular pathogenesis.
- Genetic engineering and comparative virology have been instrumental in advancing knowledge.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate how FMDV causes disease.