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Orf virus infection and host immunity
1Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik EH45 8RE, Scotland. david.haig@moredun.ac.uk
Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases
|March 4, 2006
Summary
Orf virus, a zoonotic pathogen, interacts with host skin, triggering a strong immune response. However, it possesses genes that temporarily suppress immunity, offering insights into pathogenesis and host defense.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Orf virus is a zoonotic pathogen that infects host skin.
- Understanding its biology provides insights into viral skin infections and host responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize recent advances in orf virus biology.
- To illustrate the interaction of orf virus with host skin.
- To provide novel data on viral mechanisms of skin infection and host response.
Main Methods:
- Genome sequencing of parapoxviruses.
- Characterization of viral immuno-modulatory proteins.
- Structure-function analysis of viral proteins.
Main Results:
- Full genome sequences of orf virus and bovine papular stomatitis virus published.
- Discovery of a novel chemokine-binding protein.
- Viral granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor inhibitory factor similar to type 1 cytokine receptors.
- Viral vascular endothelial growth factor-E stimulates angiogenesis with therapeutic potential.
- Orf virus as an immuno-modulator and vector for foreign antigen expression.
Conclusions:
- Orf virus infection elicits a vigorous skin immune response.
- Orf virus acquired immuno-modulatory genes to transiently limit host immunity.
- Orf virus genome sequence aids study of pathogenesis and skin immune response.