Related Experiment Videos
Maedi-visna in sheep: host-virus interactions and utilization as a model
G Pétursson1, P A Pálsson, G Georgsson
1Institute for Experimental Pathology, University of Iceland, Keldur, Reykjavík.
Intervirology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Ovine maedi-visna virus causes persistent infections affecting lungs and the central nervous system. Its similarities to human lentiviruses make it a valuable model for studying HIV infection.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Retroviral Research
Background:
- Ovine maedi-visna virus (MVV) is a prototype lentivirus with a 40-year research history.
- MVV establishes life-long, persistent infections characterized by slow-developing lesions in lungs and the central nervous system.
- The virus exists in a DNA provirus state, with highly restricted replication and expression in vivo.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biological features of ovine maedi-visna virus.
- To highlight its utility as an animal model for human lentiviral infections.
Main Methods:
- Controlled animal experiments.
- Long-term observation of viral infection and lesion development.
Main Results:
- Ovine maedi-visna virus causes non-oncogenic, persistent infections.
- Lesions develop slowly in the lungs and central nervous system.
- Viral replication and expression are highly restricted in vivo.
Conclusions:
- Ovine maedi-visna virus shares significant biological similarities with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- This ovine lentiviral disease serves as a relevant animal model for understanding human lentiviral infections.