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Updated: Aug 5, 2026

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A Seamless Cloning Approach for Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Expression Vector Construction
Published on: May 17, 2024
Genetic Evolution and Molecular Characterization of PRRSV GP5 in Germany
Jiankun Pang1, Qipeng Zhang1, Chen Lv1
1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Animal Science and Technology, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China.
Veterinary Sciences
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) genetic analysis in Germany reveals lineage-specific variations. Understanding these molecular changes in GP5 is crucial for managing PRRSV evolution and control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Molecular Evolution
- Swine Disease Research
Background:
- Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) has been a persistent threat to Germany's swine industry for over three decades.
- Limited detailed genetic and structural analyses of the PRRSV GP5 gene in German strains exist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic relationships and evolutionary characteristics of PRRSV ORF5 gene sequences from Germany.
- To analyze the structural and functional features of the GP5 protein in German PRRSV strains.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic and recombination analyses of 518 PRRSV GP5 gene sequences (102 from Germany) obtained from GenBank.
- Prediction of N-glycosylation sites, B-cell epitopes, and transmembrane domains for GP5 structural and functional analysis.
Main Results:
- PRRSV-1 lineage 1 was predominant in Germany, with some strains showing high similarity to vaccine strains.
- Eighteen German PRRSV-2 lineage 5 strains exhibited high nucleotide similarity to a prototype vaccine strain.
- Time-dependent variations in N-glycosylation patterns and transmembrane domains were observed in German PRRSV-1 lineage 1, and mutations were detected in the neutralizing epitope of German PRRSV-1 lineage 3.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights significant lineage-specific molecular variations within German PRRSV strains.
- Findings enhance the understanding of the molecular evolution of PRRSV in Germany, particularly concerning the GP5 gene.
- Results provide insights into potential targets for improved PRRSV control and vaccine development.

