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Dissecting Host-virus Interaction in Lytic Replication of a Model Herpesvirus
Published on: October 7, 2011
Arterivirus molecular biology and pathogenesis.
Eric J Snijder1, Marjolein Kikkert1, Ying Fang2,3
1Molecular Virology Department, Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
The Journal of General Virology
|August 14, 2013
Summary
Arteriviruses, including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), cause significant diseases in mammals. Recent advances in reverse genetics are accelerating research into arterivirus function, host interactions, and vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Arteriviruses are positive-stranded RNA viruses infecting mammals, causing diseases like respiratory syndrome and abortion.
- Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and equine arteritis virus (EAV) are significant veterinary pathogens with major economic impact.
- The arterivirus family has expanded with new discoveries in African monkeys, and they share distant evolutionary links with coronaviruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding arterivirus biology, including genome expression, RNA/protein functions, and virion structure.
- To summarize progress in studying arterivirus-host interactions, immune responses, and pathogenesis.
- To discuss the impact of these advances on disease management, vaccine engineering, and diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing reverse genetics systems for EAV and PRRSV to accelerate structure-function analysis.
- Investigating arterivirus genome expression, RNA and protein functions.
- Analyzing virion architecture, virus-host interactions, immunity, and pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- Reverse genetics systems have significantly advanced the study of arterivirus RNA and protein functions.
- New insights into host immune responses, immune evasion, and pathogenesis have been gained.
- Recent discoveries include novel arteriviruses from African monkeys and a deeper understanding of their relationship with other Nidovirales.
Conclusions:
- Advances in reverse genetics and molecular analysis are crucial for understanding arteriviruses.
- This research informs disease management strategies, the development of novel vaccines, and improved diagnostic tools.
- Continued research on arteriviruses is essential for mitigating their significant impact on animal health and economies.
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