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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
A Seamless Cloning Approach for Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Expression Vector Construction
Published on: May 17, 2024
Molecular cloning, expression and antiviral activity of porcine interleukin-29 (poIL-29)
Dang Wang1, Liurong Fang, Fuwei Zhao
1Division of Animal Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
Abstract:
Human interleukin-29 (IL-29) is a recently discovered cytokine displaying antiviral activity against a broad spectrum of viruses, designated as interferon (IFN)-λ1. We here report the molecular cloning, expression and antiviral activity of porcine IL-29 (poIL-29). The full-length poIL-29 cDNA sequence encoded 191 amino acids with a 19 amino acid signal peptide. Sequence alignments showed that poIL-29 had amino acid sequence similarity to wolf (76%), bear (75%), horse (75%), orangutan (73%), human (72%), cat (72%) and dog (70%) IL-29. The poIL-29 without signal anchor sequence was efficiently expressed as a 6 × HIS fusion protein in Escherichia coli and the antiviral activity of the purified recombinant protein was 1.8 × 10(3)U/mg protein. The purified recombinant poIL-29 also exhibited significant antiviral effects against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and pseudorabies virus in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that poIL-29 is a potential antiviral agent against swine infectious diseases.
Insights
Porcine interleukin-29 (poIL-29) was cloned and expressed, demonstrating significant antiviral activity. This cytokine shows promise as a novel therapeutic agent against key swine infectious diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Human interleukin-29 (IL-29), also known as interferon (IFN)-λ1, exhibits broad-spectrum antiviral properties.
- Understanding the role of IL-29 in other species is crucial for developing novel antiviral strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To molecularly clone, express, and characterize porcine IL-29 (poIL-29).
- To evaluate the antiviral activity of recombinant poIL-29 against relevant swine viruses.
Main Methods:
- Full-length poIL-29 cDNA was sequenced and analyzed for amino acid similarity to other species.
- Recombinant poIL-29 (6 × HIS fusion protein) was expressed in Escherichia coli.
- Antiviral activity was assessed using purified recombinant poIL-29 against specific swine viruses.
Main Results:
- The poIL-29 cDNA encoded a 191-amino acid protein with significant sequence similarity to other mammalian IL-29 orthologs.
- Recombinant poIL-29 was expressed and purified with an antiviral activity of 1.8 × 10(3) U/mg.
- Purified poIL-29 demonstrated dose-dependent antiviral effects against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and pseudorabies virus.
Conclusions:
- Porcine IL-29 (poIL-29) possesses significant antiviral activity.
- poIL-29 is a potential candidate for developing new antiviral therapies to combat swine infectious diseases.
