Protection of shrimp Penaeus monodon from WSSV infection using antisense constructs.

Area of Science:

• Aquaculture
• Molecular Biology
• Virology

Background:

• White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) poses a significant threat to shrimp aquaculture.
• Previous research utilized DNA- and RNA-based vaccines against WSSV.
• Antisense technology presents a potential alternative for disease control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the protective efficacy of antisense constructs against WSSV.
• To target specific WSSV proteins (VP24, VP28) and essential viral enzymes (TS, RR2).
• To assess the impact of antisense constructs on viral load reduction and shrimp survival.

Main Methods:

• Generation of antisense constructs targeting WSSV VP24, VP28, TS, and RR2 genes.
• Utilized shrimp histone-3 (H3) and penaedin (Pn) promoters for construct expression.
• Tested constructs in WSSV-infected cell cultures and in vivo trials with Penaeus monodon.

Main Results:

• Antisense constructs significantly reduced WSSV copy number in hemocyte cultures.
• In vivo studies demonstrated robust protection against WSSV challenge in P. monodon.
• Antisense constructs targeting VP24 and VP28 achieved up to 90% survivability with reduced viral loads.

Conclusions:

• Antisense constructs targeting WSSV proteins provide effective protection against WSSV infection.
• This strategy offers a promising control method for WSSV in shrimp aquaculture.
• Antisense technology represents an efficient tool for combating viral diseases in farmed shrimp.