Long non-coding RNAs are associated with Seneca Valley virus infection

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Sporadic Seneca Valley virus (SVV) outbreaks cause substantial economic losses in the swine industry.
• SVV infection in pigs manifests as oral, nasal, and hoof lesions, accompanied by fever and inflammation.
• The role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in regulating antiviral and inflammatory responses is established, but their specific involvement in SVV-induced inflammation is unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of lncRNAs in the host response to SVV infection.
• To identify specific lncRNAs involved in regulating inflammation during SVV pathogenesis.
• To explore potential therapeutic targets for SVV infection.

Main Methods:

• RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was employed to analyze differential gene expression in SVV-infected ST cells.
• Functional annotation analysis was performed on differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs.
• The function of a candidate lncRNA, lnc-MSTRG.18940.1, was investigated through gene silencing experiments.

Main Results:

• RNA-seq identified 1332 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 3299 differentially expressed mRNAs in SVV-infected cells.
• Functional analysis indicated that regulated transcripts are primarily involved in host immunity and inflammatory signaling pathways.
• Silencing of lnc-MSTRG.18940.1 significantly reduced SVV replication and the production of key inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8).

Conclusions:

• lnc-MSTRG.18940.1 acts as a crucial immune regulator during SVV infection.
• This lncRNA plays a significant role in controlling SVV replication and modulating the inflammatory response.
• The findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of SVV pathogenesis and highlight lncRNAs as potential targets for therapeutic intervention.