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Published on: January 28, 2019
Molecular and antigenic characterization of porcine rotavirus YM, a possible new rotavirus serotype
1Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones sobre Ingenieria Genetica y Biotecnologia, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
Abstract:
In 1983, we isolated a porcine rotavirus (strain YM) that was prevalent in several regions of Mexico, as judged by the frequency of its characteristic electropherotype. By a focus reduction neutralization test, rotavirus YM was clearly distinguished from prototype rotavirus strains belonging to serotypes 1 (Wa), 2 (S2), 3 (SA11), 4 (ST3), 5 (OSU), and 6 (NCDV). Minor, one-way cross-neutralization (1 to 5%) was observed when antisera to the various rotavirus strains were incubated with rotavirus YM. In addition, the YM virus was not neutralized by neutralizing monoclonal antibodies with specificity to serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 5. The subgroup of the virus was determined to be I by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To characterize the serotype-specific glycoprotein of the virus at the molecular level, we cloned and sequenced the gene coding for VP7. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence with reported homologous sequences from human and animal rotavirus strains belonging to six different serotypes further supported the distinct immunological identity of the YM VP7 protein.
Insights
A novel porcine rotavirus strain, YM, prevalent in Mexico, was identified as a distinct serotype. Molecular analysis of its VP7 protein confirmed its unique immunological identity, differentiating it from other known rotavirus serotypes.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Porcine rotavirus (PRV) poses a significant threat to swine health and the global pork industry.
- Rotavirus strains exhibit diverse serotypes, necessitating continuous surveillance and characterization for effective disease control.
- The YM strain of porcine rotavirus was identified as prevalent in Mexico in 1983.
Purpose of the Study:
- To immunologically and molecularly characterize the newly isolated porcine rotavirus strain YM.
- To determine if the YM strain represents a known rotavirus serotype or a novel one.
- To investigate the serotype-specific glycoprotein VP7 of the YM strain.
Main Methods:
- Focus reduction neutralization tests (FRNT) were performed using prototype rotavirus strains and antisera.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for subgroup determination.
- Cloning and sequencing of the gene encoding the VP7 protein were conducted.
- Deduced amino acid sequence of VP7 was compared with homologous sequences from other rotavirus serotypes.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus YM was antigenically distinct from prototype rotavirus serotypes 1 through 6 based on neutralization assays.
- Minor one-way cross-neutralization was observed, but YM was not neutralized by specific monoclonal antibodies against serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 5.
- The YM virus belonged to subgroup I.
- Sequence analysis of the VP7 gene revealed a distinct amino acid sequence, confirming the unique immunological identity of the YM VP7 protein.
Conclusions:
- The YM strain represents a distinct porcine rotavirus serotype, different from previously identified serotypes.
- Molecular characterization of the VP7 gene provides strong evidence for the unique antigenic nature of the YM strain.
- This finding highlights the genetic diversity of porcine rotaviruses and the need for ongoing serotyping efforts.
