Antibodies to ovine herpesvirus 2 glycoproteins decrease virus infectivity and prevent malignant catarrhal fever in...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Immunology
• Ovine herpesvirus-2 research

Background:

• Ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2) causes sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever (SA-MCF), a lethal disease in artiodactyls.
• Lack of in vitro culture methods for OvHV-2 impedes research and vaccine development.
• Targeting viral glycoproteins is a strategy for vaccine development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the in vivo neutralizing activity of antibodies against OvHV-2 glycoproteins gB and gH/gL.
• To assess the potential of these antibodies in preventing SA-MCF.
• To identify suitable targets for SA-MCF vaccine development.

Main Methods:

• Rabbits were immunized using biolistic delivery of plasmids expressing OvHV-2 gB and gH/gL genes.
• Developed OvHV-2-specific antibodies were tested for neutralizing activity in vivo.
• Rabbits were exposed to a lethal dose of OvHV-2 incubated with antisera via nebulization.
• Virus neutralization was assessed by measuring infection parameters.

Main Results:

• Anti-gB or anti-gH/gL antibodies alone blocked OvHV-2 infection in 83% of rabbits.
• A combination of anti-gB and anti-gH/gL antibodies provided 100% protection against infection.
• Antibodies effectively neutralized OvHV-2 virions, reducing infectivity.

Conclusions:

• Antibodies against OvHV-2 gB and gH/gL demonstrate significant neutralizing capacity in vivo.
• These glycoproteins are viable targets for a SA-MCF vaccine designed to elicit neutralizing antibody responses.
• This study provides a foundation for developing effective vaccines against SA-MCF.