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PRRSV vector vaccine based on VEEV-VSVG recombinant replicon elicits efficient immune responses in piglets
Zhenxiang Rong1, Mingjin Jiao1, Linxing Tian1
1State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; Laboratory of Animal Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
A new vector vaccine using the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) replicon system successfully expressed Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) proteins. This PRRSV vaccine candidate demonstrated significant protection in piglets against the challenging disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Vaccine Development
- Immunology
Background:
- Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) poses a major threat to the global swine industry.
- Current vaccines offer incomplete protection against Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV).
- High viral genetic diversity and complex host immunity hinder PRRS eradication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct a novel vector vaccine expressing PRRSV GP3, GP4, GP5, and M proteins using the VEEV replicon system.
- To evaluate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of this PRRSV vector vaccine in piglets.
Main Methods:
- Recombinant VEEV replicons were engineered to express PRRSV structural proteins (GP3, GP4, GP5, M).
- Expression stability and biological characteristics of recombinant replicons and virus-like vesicles (VLVs) were assessed.
- Piglets were immunized with the developed PRRSV vector vaccine, followed by challenge experiments.
Main Results:
- Successful and stable expression of PRRSV proteins was achieved in cell culture.
- Recombinant replicons formed infectious VLVs with consistent plaque morphology.
- Vaccinated piglets exhibited robust humoral and cellular immune responses.
- Immunization significantly reduced viral loads, accelerated viremia clearance, and decreased viral loads in target tissues post-challenge.
Conclusions:
- The VEEV-based vector vaccine successfully expresses key PRRSV proteins.
- The developed PRRSV vector vaccine elicits significant protective immunity in piglets.
- This approach shows promise for a more effective PRRSV vaccine strategy.
