Strain specificity of the immune response of pigs following vaccination with various strains of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

Gene expression of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and CD8+ T cells from gilts after PRRSV infection

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a positive-stranded RNA virus, which emerged in Europe and U.S.A. in the late 1980s and has since caused huge economic losses. Infection with PRRSV causes mild to severe respiratory and reproductive clinical symptoms in pigs. Alteration of the host immune response by PRRSV is associated with the increased susceptibility to secondary viral and bacterial infections resulting in more serious and chronic disease. However, the expression profiles underlying innate and adaptive immune responses to PRRSV infection are yet to be further elucidated. In this study, we investigated gene expression profiles of PBMCs and CD8⁺ T cells after PRRSV AUT15-33 infection. We identified the highest number of differentially expressed genes in PBMCs and CD8⁺ T cells at 7 dpi and 21 dpi, respectively. The gene expression profile of PBMCs from infected animals was dominated by a strong innate immune response at 7 dpi which persisted through 14 dpi and 21 dpi and was accompanied by involvement of adaptive immunity. The gene expression pattern of CD8⁺ T cells showed a strong adaptive immune response to PRRSV, leading to the formation of highly differentiated CD8⁺ T cells starting from 14 dpi. The hallmark of the CD8⁺ T-cell response was the increased expression of effector and cytolytic genes (PRF1, GZMA, GZMB, GZMK, KLRK1, KLRD1, FASL, NKG7), with the highest levels observed at 21 dpi. Temporal clustering analysis of DEGs of PBMCs and CD8⁺ T cells from PRRSV-infected animals revealed three and four clusters, respectively, suggesting tight transcriptional regulation of both the innate and the adaptive immune response to PRRSV. The main cluster of PBMCs was related to the innate immune response to PRRSV, while the main clusters of CD8⁺ T cells represented the initial transformation and differentiation of these cells in response to the PRRSV infection. Together, we provided extensive transcriptomics data explaining gene signatures of the immune response of PBMCs and CD8⁺ T cells after PRRSV infection. Additionally, our study provides potential biomarker targets useful for vaccine and therapeutics development.

Predicting Antigenic Distance from Genetic Data for PRRSV-Type 1: Applications of Machine Learning

The control of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) remains a significant challenge due to the genetic and antigenic variability of the causative virus (PRRSV). Predominantly, PRRSV management includes using vaccines and live virus inoculations to confer immunity against PRRSV on farms. While understanding cross-protection among strains is crucial for the continued success of these interventions, understanding how genetic diversity translates to antigenic diversity remains elusive. We developed machine learning algorithms to estimate antigenic distance in silico, based on genetic sequence data, and identify differences in specific amino acid sites associated with antigenic differences between viruses. First, we obtained antigenic distance estimates derived from serum neutralization assays cross-reacting PRRSV monospecific antisera with virus isolates from 27 PRRSV1 viruses circulating in Europe. Antigenic distances were weakly to moderately associated with ectodomain amino acid distance for open reading frames (ORFs) 2 to 4 (ρ < 0.2) and ORF5 (ρ = 0.3), respectively. Dividing the antigenic distance values at the median, we then categorized the sera-virus pairs into two levels: low and high antigenic distance (dissimilarity). In the machine learning models, we used amino acid distances in the ectodomains of ORFs 2 to 5 and site-wise amino acid differences between the viruses as potential predictors of antigenic dissimilarity. Using mixed-effect gradient boosting models, we estimated the antigenic distance (high versus low) between serum-virus pairs with an accuracy of 81% (95% confidence interval, 76 to 85%); sensitivity and specificity were 86% and 75%, respectively. We demonstrate that using sequence data we can estimate antigenic distance and potential cross-protection between PRRSV1 strains. IMPORTANCE Understanding cross-protection between cocirculating PRRSV1 strains is crucial to reducing losses associated with PRRS outbreaks on farms. While experimental studies to determine cross-protection are instrumental, these in vivo studies are not always practical or timely for the many cocirculating and emerging PRRSV strains. In this study, we demonstrate the ability to rapidly estimate potential immunologic cross-reaction between different PRRSV1 strains in silico using sequence data routinely collected by production systems. These models can provide fast turn-around information crucial for improving PRRS management decisions such as selecting vaccines/live virus inoculation to be used on farms and assessing the risk of outbreaks by emerging strains on farms previously exposed to certain PRRSV strains and vaccine development among others.

Infection dynamics, transmission, and evolution after an outbreak of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

The present study was aimed at describing the infection dynamics, transmission, and evolution of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) after an outbreak in a 300-sow farrow-to-wean farm that was implementing a vaccination program. Three subsequent batches of piglets (9-11 litters/batch) were followed 1.5 (Batch 1), 8 (Batch 2), and 12 months after (Batch 3) from birth to 9 weeks of age. The RT-qPCR analysis showed that shortly after the outbreak (Batch 1), one third of sows were delivering infected piglets and the cumulative incidence reached 80% by 9 weeks of age. In contrast, in Batch 2, only 10% animals in total got infected in the same period. In Batch 3, 60% litters had born-infected animals and cumulative incidence rose to 78%. Higher viral genetic diversity was observed in Batch 1, with 4 viral clades circulating, of which 3 could be traced to vertical transmission events, suggesting the existence of founder viral variants. In Batch 3 though only one variant was found, distinguishable from those circulating previously, suggesting that a selection process had occurred. ELISA antibodies at 2 weeks of age were significantly higher in Batch 1 and 3 compared to Batch 2, while low levels of neutralizing antibodies were detected in either piglets or sows in all batches. In addition, some sows present in Batch 1 and 3 delivered infected piglets twice, and the offspring were devoid of neutralizing antibodies at 2 weeks of age. These results suggest that a high viral diversity was featured at the initial outbreak followed by a phase of limited circulation, but subsequently an escape variant emerged in the population causing a rebound of vertical transmission. The presence of unresponsive sows that had vertical transmission events could have contributed to the transmission. Moreover, the records of contacts between animals and the phylogenetic analyses allowed to trace back 87 and 47% of the transmission chains in Batch 1 and 3, respectively. Most animals transmitted the infection to 1-3 pen-mates, but super-spreaders were also identified. One animal that was born-viremic and persisted as viremic for the whole study period did not contribute to transmission.

A porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)-specific IgM as a novel adjuvant for an inactivated PRRSV vaccine improves protection efficiency and enhances cell-mediated immunity against heterologous PRRSV challenge

Current strategies for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) control are inadequate and mainly restricted to immunization using different PRRS virus (PPRSV) vaccines. Although there are no safety concerns, the poor performance of inactivated PRRSV vaccines has restricted their practical application. In this research, we employed the novel PRRSV-specific IgM monoclonal antibody (Mab)-PR5nf1 as a vaccine adjuvant for the formulation of a cocktail composed of inactivated PRRSV (KIV) and Mab-PR5nf1 along with a normal adjuvant to enhance PRRSV-KIV vaccine-mediated protection and further compared it with a normal KIV vaccine and modified live virus vaccine (MLV). After challenge with highly pathogenic (HP)-PRRSV, our results suggested that the overall survival rate (OSR) and cell-mediated immunity (CMI), as determined by serum IFN-γ quantification and IFN-γ ELISpot assay, were significantly improved by adding PRRSV-specific IgM to the PRRSV-KIV vaccine. It was also notable that both the OSR and CMI in the Mab-PR5nf1-adjuvanted KIV group were even higher than those in the MLV group, whereas the CMI response is normally poorly evoked by KIV vaccines or subunit vaccines. Compared with those in piglets immunized with the normal KIV vaccine, viral shedding and serum neutralizing antibody levels were also improved, and reduced viral shedding appeared to be a result of enhanced CMI caused by the inclusion of IgM as an adjuvant. In conclusion, our data provide not only a new formula for the development of an effective PRRSV-KIV vaccine for practical use but also a novel method for improving antigen-specific CMI induction by inactivated vaccines and subunit vaccines.

Safety of PRRSV-2 MLV vaccines administrated via the intramuscular or intradermal route and evaluation of PRRSV transmission upon needle-free and needle delivery

Two distinct experiments (Exp) were conducted to evaluate the shedding and efficacy of 2 modified live porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) type 2 vaccines (MLV) when administered intramuscularly (IM) or intradermally (ID) (Exp A), and the potential of PRRSV transmission using a needle-free device (Exp B). One-hundred fifty-four, 3-week-old castrated-male, pigs were procured from a PRRSV-free herd. In Exp A, 112 pigs were randomly allocated into 4 groups of 21 pigs including IM/Ingelvac MLV (G1), IM/Prime Pac (G2), ID/Prime Pac (G3), and non-vaccination (G4). Twenty-eight remaining pigs were served as non-vaccination, age-matched sentinel pigs. G1 was IM vaccinated once with Ingelvac PRRS MLV (Ing) (Boehringer Ingelheim, Germany). G2 and G3 were IM and ID vaccinated once with a different MLV, Prime Pac PRRS (PP) (MSD Animal Health, The Netherlands), respectively. Following vaccination, an antibody response, IFN-γ-SC, and IL-10 secretion in supernatants of stimulated PBMC were monitored. Sera, tonsils, nasal swabs, bronchoalveolar lavage, urines, and feces were collected from 3 vaccinated pigs each week to 42 days post-vaccination (DPV) and assayed for the presence of PRRSV using virus isolation and qPCR. Age-matched sentinel pigs were used to evaluate the transmission of vaccine viruses and were introduced into vaccinated groups from 0 to 42 DPV. Seroconversion was monitored. In Exp B, 42 pigs were randomly allocated into 5 groups of 3 pigs each including IM/High (T1), ID/High (T2), IM/Low (T3), ID/Low (T4), and NoChal. Twenty-seven remaining pigs were left as non-challenge, age-matched sentinel pigs. The T1 and T2, and T3 and T4 groups were intranasally challenged at approximately 26 days of age with HP-PRRSV-2 at high (10⁶) and low (10³ TCID₅₀/ml) doses, respectively. At 7 days post-challenge, at the time of the highest viremia levels of HP-PRRSV-2, T1 and T2, and T3 and T4 groups were IM and ID injected with Diluvac Forte using needles and a need-less device (IDAL 3G, MSD Animal Health, The Netherlands), respectively. Same needles or needle-less devices were used to inject the same volume of Diluvac Forte into sentinel pigs. Seroconversion of sentinels was evaluated. The results demonstrated that PP vaccinated groups (G2 and G3), regardless of the route of vaccination, had ELISA response significantly lower than G1 at 7 and 14 DPV. PP-vaccinated groups (G2 and G3) had significantly higher IFN-γ-SC and lower IL-10 secretion compared to the Ing-vaccinated group (G1). The two different MLV when administered intramuscularly demonstrated the difference in virus distribution and shedding patterns. PP-vaccinated pigs had significantly shortened viremia than the Ing-vaccinated pigs. However, ID-vaccinated pigs had lower virus distribution in organs and body fluids without virus shedding to sentinel pigs. In Exp B, regardless of the challenge dose, sentinel pigs intradermally injected with the same needle-less device used to inject challenged pigs displayed no seroconversion. In contrast, sentinel pigs intramuscularly injected with the same needle used to inject challenged pigs displayed seroconversion. The results demonstrated the transmission of PRRSV by using a needle, but not by using a needle-less device. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that ID vaccination might represent an alternative to improve vaccine efficacy and safety, and may be able to reduce the shedding of vaccine viruses and reduce the iatrogenic transfer of pathogens between animals with shared needles.

Recombinant Antigen of Type 2 Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV-2) Promotes M1 Repolarization of Porcine Alveolar Macrophages and Th1 Type Response

The polarization status of porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) determines the infectivity of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). PRRSV infection skews macrophage polarization toward an M2 phenotype, followed by T-cells inactivation. CD163, one of the scavenger receptors of M2 macrophages, has been described as a putative receptor for PRRSV. In this study, we examined two types of PRRSV-2-derived recombinant antigens, A1 (g6Ld10T) and A2 (lipo-M5Nt), for their ability to mediate PAM polarization and T helper (Th1) response. A1 and A2 were composed of different combination of ORF5, ORF6, and ORF7 in full or partial length. To enhance the adaptive immunity, they were conjugated with T cells epitopes or lipidated elements, respectively. Our results showed that CD163⁺ expression on PAMs significantly decreased after being challenged with A1 but not A2, followed by a significant increase in pro-inflammatory genes (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-12). In addition, next generation sequencing (NGS) data show an increase in T-cell receptor signaling in PAMs challenged with A1. Using a co-culture system, PAMs challenged with A1 can induce Th1 activation by boosting IFN-γ and IL-12 secretion and TNF-α expression. In terms of innate and T-cell-mediated immunity, we conclude that A1 is regarded as a potential vaccine for immunization against PRRSV infection due to its ability to reverse the polarization status of PAMs toward pro-inflammatory phenotypes, which in turn reduces CD163 expression for viral entry and increases immunomodulation for Th1-type response.

Immunity against a Japanese local strain of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus decreases viremia and symptoms of a highly pathogenic strain

Background

The type 2 highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV) has spread throughout countries of southeast Asia, where it has caused severe economic losses. Even countries presently free of PRRSV are at high risk for infection and spread of this virus. Some of these countries, including Japan, have broad epidemics of the local type 2 PRRSV, creating chronic pathogenicity in the domestic pig population. The present study aimed to evaluate the protective efficacy of immunity by infection with a Japanese field isolate, EDRD1, against heterologous challenge with a Vietnamese HP-PRRSV field strain. To this end, four groups of PRRSV-negative crossbreed piglets were used for a challenge study. Groups 1 and 2 were inoculated with EDRD1 via the intranasal route. After 26 days, Groups 2 and 3 were inoculated with HP-PRRSV via the same route. Group 4 served as an uninfected control. Blood and oral fluid samples were taken every 3–4 days after HP-PRRSV challenge; on day 16 post-challenge, all pigs were euthanized, and examined pathologically.

Results

The nucleotide sequence analysis of nonstructural protein 2 gene of EDRD1 and comparison with Vietnamese HP-PRRSV showed that the 39 amino acid deletion sites of EDRD1 was nearly in the same region as the 29 amino acid deletion sites of HP-PRRSV. Immunity conferred by inoculation with EDRD1 dramatically reduced viral load in the sera and tissues besides viral shedding (Group 2) compared with those in pigs infected only with HP-PRRSV (Group 3). The clinical signs and rectal temperature were significantly reduced, and the average daily weight gain was significantly improved in the EDRD1-inoculated pigs (Group 2) compared with the Group 3 pigs. Notably, no viral RNA was detected in various organs of the Group 2 pigs 16 days post-infection with HP-PRRSV, except in one pig. Therefore, the immunity induced by EDRD1 and its genetically close field isolates may play a role in reducing viremia caused by HP-PRRSV.

Conclusions

The results of the present study demonstrate that pigs are highly protected against heterologous Vietnamese HP-PRRSV challenge by immunity against a Japanese local strain, EDRD1.

Studies on heterologous protection between Japanese type 1 and type 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus isolates

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the cross-protective immunity between type 1 and type 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) isolates in growing pigs. Japanese type 1 PRRSV, first isolated from a pig with respiratory disorders in a farm in 2009, exhibits unique genetic characteristics. The pathogenicity of a Japanese standard strain of type 2 PRRSV, EDRD1, in pigs immunized by the type 1 PRRSV isolate, Jpn EU 4-37 was determined by evaluating clinical signs, viremia, antibody response, and pathological lesions. Similarly, we evaluated the pathogenicity of Jpn EU 4-37 in pigs immunized by EDRD1 and compared the cross-protective immunity between these isolates. The EDRD1 challenge after Jpn EU 4-37 inoculation reduced viral clearance and shedding in pigs, compared to those treated with the EDRD1 single infection. On the other hand, the pathogenicity of Jpn EU 4-37 after EDRD1 infection did not differ significantly compared to non-immunized pigs treated with Jpn EU 4-37. Therefore, exposure to Jpn EU 4-37 could not induce enough immunity to reduce the viremia against subsequent infection by type 2 PRRSV. However, the immunity induced by Jpn EU 4-37 infection may play a role in reducing viremia caused by type 2 PRRSV. Moreover, the immunity induced by the EDRD1 and other genetically related viruses, which are broadly distributed in Japan, may not contribute to cross-protection against Jpn EU 4-37 as an emerging virus.

Broad neutralization activity against both PRRSV-1 and PRRSV-2 and enhancement of cell mediated immunity against PRRSV by a novel IgM monoclonal antibody

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is the most economically important infectious disease affecting the global swine industry, especially since vaccination has had limited impact on PRRSV prevention and control. In this study, the monoclonal antibody PR5nf1 (Mab-PR5nf1, IgM isotype) was shown to react with heterogeneous PRRSV isolates belonging to both PRRSV-1 and PRRSV-2 species. Pepsin digestion of Mab-PR5nf1 did not affect Mab binding to virions, as F(ab)₂ fragments demonstrated the same reactivity as undigested Mab. Upon further investigation, Mab-PR5nf1 could neutralize all tested PRRSV isolates of both PRRSV-1 and PRRSV-2, suggesting it was a broadly neutralizing Mab against PRRSV. Interestingly, Mab-PR5nf1 appeared to recognize a specific virus epitope that required post-translational modification within the host cellular Golgi apparatus. Deglycosylation of PRRSV virions with PNGase F abolished Mab binding, suggesting that a novel Mab-binding epitope may exist that confers cross-protection against isolates of both PRRSV species. Additionally, immunization of mice with a cocktail of inactivated PRRSV virus and Mab-PR5nf1 enhanced cell-mediated immunity, as determined by IFN-γ ELIspot. In conclusion, this is the first report describing a novel Mab that recognizes a conserved epitope common to both PRRSV-1 and PRRSV-2 and provides valuable insights to guide future PRRSV vaccine development.

Identification of Two Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Variants Sharing High Genomic Homology but with Distinct Virulence

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes huge economic loss to the global swine industry. Even though several control strategies have been applied, PRRS is still not effectively controlled due to the continuous emergence of new variants and limited cross-protection by current vaccines. During the routine epidemiological investigation in 2017, two PRRSV variants were identified from a severe abortion farm and a clinically healthy farm, respectively. The viruses were isolated and denominated as XJ17-5 and JSTZ1712-12. Genomic sequencing indicated that their genomes are both 14,960 bp in length sharing 99.45% nucleotide identity. Sequence alignments identified a discontinuous 30-amino-acid deletion and a continuous 120-amino-acid deletion in nsp2 of both isolates. Genome-based phylogenetic analysis confirmed that XJ17-5 and JSTZ1712-12 belong to the HP-PRRSV subtype but form a new branch with other isolates containing the same 150-amino-acid deletion in nsp2. Pathogenic analysis showed that XJ17-5 is highly virulent causing 60% mortality, while JSTZ1712-12 is avirulent for piglets. Furthermore, fragment comparisons identified 34-amino-acid differences between XJ17-5 and JSTZ1712-12 that might be associated with the distinct virulence. The identification of highly homologous HP-PRRSV variants with new genetic feature and distinct virulence contributes to further analyze the pathogenesis and evolution of PRRSV in the field.

Dynamics and Differences in Systemic and Local Immune Responses After Vaccination With Inactivated and Live Commercial Vaccines and Subsequent Subclinical Infection With PRRS Virus

The goals of our study were to compare the immune response to different killed and modified live vaccines against PRRS virus and to monitor the antibody production and the cell mediated immunity both at the systemic and local level. In the experiment, we immunized four groups of piglets with two commercial inactivated (A1-Progressis, A2-Suivac) and two modified live vaccines (B3-Amervac, B4-Porcilis). Twenty-one days after the final vaccination, all piglets, including the control non-immunized group (C5), were i.n., infected with the Lelystad strain of PRRS virus. The serum antibody response (IgM and IgG) was the strongest in group A1 followed by two MLV (B3 and B4) groups. Locally, we demonstrated the highest level of IgG antibodies in bronchoalveolar lavages (BALF), and saliva in group A1, whereas low IgA antibody responses in BALF and feces were detected in all groups. We have found virus neutralization antibody at DPV 21 (days post vaccination) and higher levels in all groups including the control at DPI 21 (days post infection). Positive antigen specific cell-mediated response in lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) was observed in groups B3 and B4 at DPV 7 and in group B4 at DPV 21 and in all intervals after infection. The IFN-γ producing lymphocytes after antigen stimulation were found in CD4-CD8+ and CD4+CD8+ subsets of all immunized groups 7 days after infection. After infection, there were obvious differences in virus excretion. The virus was detected in all groups of piglets in serum, saliva, and occasionally in feces at DPI 3. Significantly lower virus load was found in groups A1 and B3 at DPI 21. Negative samples appeared at DPI 21 in B3 group in saliva. It can be concluded that antibodies after immunization and infection, and the virus after infection can be detected in all the compartments monitored. Immunization with inactivated vaccine A1-Progressis induces high levels of antibodies produced both systemically and locally. Immunization with MLV-vaccines (Amervac and Porcilis) produces sufficient antibody levels and also cell-mediated immunity. After infection virus secretion gradually decreases in group B3, indicating tendency to induce sterile immunity.

Porcine endogenous retrovirus envelope coated baculoviral DNA vaccine against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

PERV is a major virus concerning xenotransplantation study. However, the interesting part is that PERV is present in all kinds of pigs without pathogenicity and immune response. Furthermore, since pig cells have receptors for PERV, the gene delivery system using PERV envelope is highly likely to develop into an excellent viral vector in pigs. We developed a recombinant baculovirus with a modified surface for expressing the porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) envelope. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection is a severe concern in the porcine industry due to reproduction failure and respiratory symptoms. GP5 and M proteins are major immunogenic proteins of PRRSV. Using PERV-modified baculovirus (Ac mPERV) as a delivery vector, we constructed a dual antigen (GP5 and M)-encoding DNA vaccine system, Ac mPERV-C5/C6. Intramuscular immunization in mice and pigs, Ac mPERV-C5/C6 induced comparative high humoral and cellular immune responses. Our results support further development of Ac mPERV-C5/C6 as a potential PRRSV vaccine in the porcine industry. In addition, the Ac mPERV system may be applied to the generation of other effective DNA vaccines against porcine viral diseases.

Efficacy of a modified-live virus vaccine in pigs experimentally infected with a highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus type 1 (HP-PRRSV-1)

PRRS is one of the main viral diseases in pig production, causing huge economic losses to the swine industry worldwide. The virus shows an intrinsic genomic instability and is able to change continuously, with the emergence of new strains, with different pathogenicity patterns. Commercially available vaccines only partially prevent or counteract the disease and the correlated losses. Moreover, the emergence of highly virulent and pathogenetic isolates represents a particular concern for PRRS control and diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a modified-live virus (MLV) PRRSV-1 commercial vaccine in reducing the severity of the disease and minimizing losses upon challenge with a highly pathogenic PRRSV-1.1 Italian isolate (PRRSV-1_PR40/2014). Four different groups were compared: C (unvaccinated-uninfected), VAC-C (vaccinated-uninfected), PR40 (unvaccinated-infected) and VAC-PR40 (vaccinated-infected). The tested vaccine provided partial, but statistically significant clinical, virological and pathological protection after challenge under experimental conditions. In particular, vaccinated animals showed reduced viremia in terms of duration and magnitude, reduced respiratory signs and pathological lesions. Vaccination was able to trigger adaptive immunity able to respond efficiently also against the HP PR40 isolate. Vaccinated animals showed higher average daily weight gain, even during the viremic period, compared to non-vaccinated challenged pigs.

Analysis of the genetic diversity and mRNA expression level in porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus vaccinated pigs that developed short or long viremias after challenge

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv) infection alters the host’s cellular and humoral immune response. Immunity against PRRSv is multigenic and vary between individuals. The aim of the present study was to compare several genes that encode for molecules involved in the immune response between two groups of vaccinated pigs that experienced short or long viremic periods after PRRSv challenge. These analyses include the sequencing of four SLA Class I, two Class II allele groups, and CD163, plus the analysis by quantitative realtime qRT-PCR of the constitutive expression of TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7, TLR8 and TLR9 mRNA and other molecules in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Improved Vaccine against PRRSV: Current Progress and Future Perspective

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), one of the most economically significant pathogens worldwide, has caused numerous outbreaks during the past 30 years. PRRSV infection causes reproductive failure in sows and respiratory disease in growing and finishing pigs, leading to huge economic losses for the swine industry. This impact has become even more significant with the recent emergence of highly pathogenic PRRSV strains from China, further exacerbating global food security. Since new PRRSV variants are constantly emerging from outbreaks, current strategies for controlling PRRSV have been largely inadequate, even though our understanding of PRRSV virology, evolution and host immune response has been rapidly expanding. Meanwhile, practical experience has revealed numerous safety and efficacy concerns for currently licensed vaccines, such as shedding of modified live virus (MLV), reversion to virulence, recombination between field strains and MLV and failure to elicit protective immunity against heterogeneous virus. Therefore, an effective vaccine against PRRSV infection is urgently needed. Here, we systematically review recent advances in PRRSV vaccine development. Antigenic variations resulting from PRRSV evolution, identification of neutralizing epitopes for heterogeneous isolates, broad neutralizing antibodies against PRRSV, chimeric virus generated by reverse genetics, and novel PRRSV strains with interferon-inducing phenotype will be discussed in detail. Moreover, techniques that could potentially transform current MLV vaccines into a superior vaccine will receive special emphasis, as will new insights for future PRRSV vaccine development. Ultimately, improved PRRSV vaccines may overcome the disadvantages of current vaccines and minimize the PRRS impact to the swine industry.

Efficacy of Type 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccine against the 2010 isolate of Vietnamese highly pathogenic PRRSV challenge in pigs

The efficacy of a commercial attenuated live type 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) vaccine was tested under experimental infection with a highly virulent Vietnamese virus isolated from a diseased pig affected with highly pathogenic PRRS (HP-PRRS) using specific pathogen-free (SPF) pigs. Twenty-five 4-week-old SPF pigs were divided into three groups as follows: pigs vaccinated with a single dose of the vaccine (Group 1, n=10), unvaccinated pigs (Group 2, n=10) and unvaccinated and non-infectious control pigs (Group 3, n=5). Four weeks later, Groups 1 and 2 were challenged with a 1 ml inoculum containing 1 × 10^5.5 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID₅₀)/ml of a Vietnamese HP-PRRS virus isolated in 2010 via the intranasal route. Animals were monitored during the subsequent two-week period post-challenge and necropsied for virological and pathological assays. Results showed a significant reduction in viral replication and shedding in vaccinated pigs compared to unvaccinated pigs. The non-vaccinated pigs showed severe pyrogenic and respiratory illness with marked systematic lesions including interstitial pneumonia and thymic atrophy. In contrast, vaccinated pigs recovered quickly from fever with only mild pathological manifestations. Therefore, although viral shedding was still noted, immunization with the live PRRS vaccine did indeed reduce viral replication and disease severity, suggesting its utility in minimizing outbreaks of HP-PRRS.

Efficacy of Fostera® PRRS modified live virus (MLV) vaccination strategy against a Thai highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV) infection

Recently, the Chinese highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) (HP-PRRSV) belonging to lineage 8 causes severe symptom with high morbidity and high mortality rates to the Asian pig industry. A recent study showed that pigs immunized with Fostera® PRRS modified live virus (MLV) of lineage 8 could provide a degree of protection against a Vietnamese HP-PRRSV infection. It should be noted that PRRSV commonly found after weaning causes porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC). Vaccination strategy should be evaluated in each farm scenario. Eighty-one PRRSV-free piglets obtained from a PRRS-free herd were divided into two experiments with the major difference of infection timing after vaccination, 42 days in experiment 1 (n = 42) and 28 days in experiment 2 (n = 39). Each experiment had similar protocol containing three groups including a negative control, unvaccinated challenged, and vaccinated challenged groups. Pigs in vaccination groups were immunized with Fostera® PRRS MLV vaccine at 3 weeks of age. Then, unvaccinated challenged and vaccinated challenged groups were intranasally inoculated with a Thai HP-PRRSV (10PL01). Vaccinated challenged pigs showed significantly lower levels of mean rectal temperatures, clinical severity, lung lesion scores, and viral titers in serum and lung tissue compared to the unvaccinated challenged pigs (p < 0.05). Vaccinated challenged pigs had higher survival rate than those of unvaccinated challenged pigs in both experiments. It should be noted that pigs challenged 42 days after vaccination showed a better performance than pigs challenged 28 days after vaccination. In conclusion, Fostera® PRRS MLV vaccine was able to improve the survival rate against the Thai HP-PRRSV infection in both 42- and 28-day vaccination-to-infection protocols.

Efficacy of commercial genotype 1 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccine against field isolate of genotype 2 PRRSV

Although several recent studies have found that type 1 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) modified live virus (MLV) vaccine showed appreciable levels of cross-protection against type 2 PRRSV infection, the possibility of cross-protection between two genotype of PRRSV is still controversial. To determine potential protective efficacy against hetero-genotype field strain of PRRSV and to improve understandings of the mechanisms underlying performance improvement after infection in vaccinated animals, piglets were vaccinated with type 1 PRRSV MLV vaccine and challenged with type 2 field strain of PRRSV. As a result, vaccinated animals gained on average 8.45 kg in comparison to 4.77 kg measured in non-vaccinated animals during a 3-week period after viral challenge, which shows using a certain PRRSV vaccine could be clinically effective against heterologous genotypic virus challenge. In vaccinated animals, viremia was reduced and cleared rapidly, whilst viral load was much higher and reduced more slowly, indicating rebound viremia in non-vaccinated animals. The titers of neutralizing antibody against the type 2 PRRSV did not exceed the protective level in any animal from both vaccinated and control groups. Instead, antibody avidity of vaccinated animals was much higher than in the control group clearly. Furthermore, a strong negative correlation between antibody avidity and viremia was noted in 80% of vaccinated animals. Through those results from tests evaluating degree of antibody maturation and its relevance with clearing viremia, it could be suggested that non-neutralizing antibodies induced by vaccination prior to challenge might play a key role in protection against PRRSV infection, especially in early time course.

Enhanced humoral and cellular immune responses to PRRS virus GP5 glycoprotein by DNA prime-adenovirus boost vaccination in mice

In order to investigate the induction of humoral and cellular immune responses against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), BALB/c mice were immunized in a pcDNA3-GP5 prime-rAd-GP5 boost regimen. After humoral and cellular immune response detection, levels of PRRSV-specific antibodies, neutralizing antibodies, lymphocyte proliferation response, and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response were significantly increased as compared to controls. The humoral immune response was induced more effectively by the DNA priming and recombinant adenovirus boosting regimen. Significant difference was observed between heterogeneous and homologous vaccination. Induction of anti-GP5 antibody response was higher in all heterogeneous combinations than those of the homologous combinations. In the induction of lymphocyte proliferation response and CTL response, the homologous combination of pcDNA3-GP5/pcDNA3-GP5/pcDNA3-GP5was significantly stronger than that of rAd-GP5/rAd-GP5/rAd-GP5, but was relatively weaker than the heterogeneous combination of pcDNA3-GP5/pcDNA3-GP5/rAd-GP5 and pcDNA3-GP5/rAd-GP5/rAd-GP5. This heterogeneous combination was a most efficient immunization regimen in induction of PRRSV-specific cellular immune response just as the antibody response. These results suggested that DNA immunization followed by recombinant adenovirus boosting could be used as a potential PRRSV vaccine.

Molecular epidemiology of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses isolated from 1991 to 2013 in Taiwan

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) was first identified in Taiwan in 1991, but the genetic diversity and evolution of PRRSV has not been thoroughly investigated over the past 20 years. The aim of this study was to bridge the gap in understanding of its molecular epidemiology. A total of 31 PRRSV strains were collected and sequenced. The sequences were aligned using the MUSCLE program, and phylogenetic analysis were performed by the maximum-likelihood method and the neighbor-joining method using MEGA 5.2 software. In the early 1990s, two prototype strains, WSV and MD001 of the North American genotype, were first identified. Over the years, both viruses evolved separately. The population dynamics of PRRSV revealed that the strains of the MD001 group were predominant in Taiwan. Evolution was manifested in changes in the nsp2 and ORF5 genes. In addition, a suspected newly invading exotic strain was recovered in 2013, suggesting that international spread is still taking place and that it is affecting the population dynamics. Overall, the results provide an important basis for vaccine development for the control and prevention of PRRS.

Intracellular expression of an anti-idiotypic antibody single-chain variable fragment reduces porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection in MARC-145 cells

BACKGROUND

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is the causative agent of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome; it is one of the most economically important viral diseases affecting the swine industry worldwide. At present, neither live-attenuated nor inactivated PRRSV vaccines can provide sustainable disease control. Our previous studies have demonstrated that PRRSV infection can produce the auto-anti-idiotypic antibodies (aAb2s) specific to the idiotypic antibodies against PRRSV GP5, which plays an important role in the host immune responses to PRRSV infection. In the present study, a single-chain variable antibody fragment (scFv) from the monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody specific for the idiotypic antibody against GP5 was expressed in MARC-145 cells and its effect on virus infection in vitro was evaluated.

METHODS

An scFv was constructed from the anti-idiotypic antibody (Mab2-5G2) and was named 5G2scFv. The lentiviral vector system was used as a vehicle to deliver 5G2scFv into MARC-145 cells. The effect of 5G2scFv expression in MARC-145 was analysed by determining the PRRSV N protein level and the virus titre in the supernatant. Virus attachment and the level of type I interferon (IFN) were determined to elucidate the mechanism of the scFv effect.

RESULTS

5G2scFv was delivered in MARC-145 cells using the lentiviral vector system as confirmed by the western blot and indirect immunofluorescence assays. The PRRSV challenge experiments demonstrated that expressed 5G2scFv in MARC-145 strongly reduced PRRSV infection and replication by inhibiting protein synthesis and progeny virus production. This effect was not due to the change of viability or virus binding, but increased IFN-α at messenger RNA and protein levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of the anti-idiotypic antibody 5G2scFv in MARC-145 cells has the interferential effect on PRRSV infection in the cells by induction of IFN-α, which provides a novel therapeutic approach for PRRSV infection.

Inhibition of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus by Cecropin D in vitro

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) continues to cause substantial economic losses to the pig industry worldwide. Although vaccines are commercially available for the control of PRRSV infection, no vaccination regimen has been proved sustained success in terms of generating a protective immune response. Therefore, the development of novel antivirals is urgently needed. Antimicrobial peptides display broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities against bacteria, fungi, and viruses and play an important role in host innate immune response. Here, we tested whether Cecropin D (CD) could inhibit PRRSV infection and replication in vitro. The inhibitory effect of CD occurred during viral attachment and the early period of viral entry into Marc-145 cells. CD also attenuated virus-induced apoptosis during the late phase of PRRSV infection and suppressed virus release in Marc-145 cells, which might contribute to the inhibition of PRRSV infection. Similar inhibitory effects on PRRSV infection were also found with CD treatment in porcine alveolar macrophages, the major target cell type of PRRSV infection in pigs in vivo. These findings suggest that CD has the potential to develop a new therapeutic agent against PRRSV infection.

Production and evaluation of virus-like particles displaying immunogenic epitopes of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is the most significant infectious disease currently affecting the swine industry worldwide. Several inactivated and modified live vaccines (MLV) have been developed to curb PRRSV infections. However, the efficacy and safety of these vaccines are unsatisfactory, and hence, there is a strong demand for the development of new PRRS universal vaccines. Virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccines are gaining increasing acceptance compared to subunit vaccines, as they present the antigens in a more veritable conformation and are readily recognized by the immune system. Hepatitis B virus core antigen (HBcAg) has been successfully used as a carrier for more than 100 viral sequences. In this study, hybrid HBcAg VLPs were generated by fusion of the conserved protective epitopes of PRRSV and expressed in E. coli. An optimized purification protocol was developed to obtain hybrid HBcAg VLP protein from the inclusion bodies. This hybrid HBcAg VLP protein self-assembled to 23-nm VLPs that were shown to block virus infection of susceptible cells when tested on MARC 145 cells. Together with the safety of non-infectious and non-replicable VLPs and the low cost of production through E. coli fermentation, this hybrid VLP could be a promising vaccine candidate for PRRS.

Assessment of the safety and efficacy of an attenuated live vaccine based on highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

The safety and efficacy of the JXA1-R vaccine, an attenuated strain of highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV), were examined using an intramuscular challenge model in piglets. The JXA1-R vaccine was obtained by passing HP-PRRSV JXA1 through Marc-145 cells (82nd passage). Genomic sequence comparisons showed that strain JXA1-R and its parental strain, JXA1, differ by 47 amino acids, and most of these differences are scattered throughout the PRRSV genome. Four-week-old PRRSV-free piglets were inoculated intramuscularly with JXA1-R vaccine (10(3.0), 10(4.0), 10(5.0), 10(6.0), and 10(7.0) 50% tissue culture infective doses [TCID50]/ml for groups 1 to 5, respectively) and then challenged intramuscularly with the 5th passage virus of JXA1 virus (JXA1-F5, 3 ml × 10(4.5) TCID50/ml) 28 days after inoculation. The humoral immune response, swine growth, clinical signs, and differential organ lesions were monitored. The results showed that all vaccinated piglets had a perceptible humoral immune response to vaccination after day 7, which then promptly increased, almost reaching the maximum sample/positive (S/P) ratio value at 28 days postimmunization. Viremia detection indicated that the viral replication levels of the challenge virus in the immunized groups (immunization doses ≥10(4.0)/ml) were significantly lower than that of the virus-challenged unvaccinated control group. Piglets in groups 2 to 5 were effectively protected against lethal HP-PRRSV infection and did not show any obvious changes in body temperature or clinical signs of disease at any point during the experiment. However, two of five piglets in group 1 showed mild pathological lesions and transitory high fever. These results suggest that JXA1-R (TCID50/ml ≥10(4.0)) is sufficiently attenuated and can provide effective protection against the lethal wild-type HP-PRRSV.

Dynamics and evolution of highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus following its introduction into a herd concurrently infected with both types 1 and 2

Since its first emergence in Thailand in late 2010, highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV) has caused sporadic outbreaks on Thai swine farms. The objective of this study was to investigate the dynamics and evolution of PRRSV in a herd experiencing an HP-PRRSV outbreak. Following its introduction, HP-PRRSV caused severe outbreaks and subsequently established persistent infection in the herd, resulting in the emergence of a novel cluster of type 2 (North American, NA) isolates. HP-PRRSV co-existed with type 1 (European, EU) isolates without influencing their development. In contrast, HP-PRRSV influenced the evolution of the type 2 (NA) isolates by increasing diversity through the addition of a novel cluster and influencing the evolution of other viral clusters previously existing in the herd. Recombination between the endemic and emerging isolates was observed. The recombinants, however, disappeared and were not able to survive in the herd. The results of this study suggest that the introduction of HP-PRRSV to a herd results in an increased diversity of genetically related isolates and persistent HP-PRRSV infection.

Efficacy of Type 2 PRRSV vaccine against Chinese and Vietnamese HP-PRRSV challenge in pigs

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes significant reproductive losses in the sow herd and respiratory disease in growing pigs. The virus belongs to the family Arteriviridae and there are two major genotypes. Type 1 is represented by Lelystad virus, the European prototype virus, and Type 2 is represented by the North American prototype virus, VR-2332. Depending on husbandry, immune status of the herd, and virulence of the isolate, the severity of disease and magnitude of economic loss can be variable. Vaccine use is not always successful indicating a lack of cross-protection between vaccine strains and circulating wild-type viruses. To date, there is no clear method to demonstrate if a vaccine confers protection against a specific isolate except for empirical animal studies. In 2006, a new lineage of Type 2 PRRSV emerged in Chinese swine herds that were suffering dramatic losses resulting in those viruses being described as "Highly Pathogenic PRRSV" (HP-PRRSV). Experimental reproduction of severe disease with HP-PRRSV isolates and virus derived from HP-PRRSV clones demonstrated the causal role of this virus. Recently, partial heterologous protection has been reported for Type 1 and Type 2 attenuated PRRSV vaccines against challenge by different Chinese HP-PRRSV isolates providing some hope for reducing economic loss. This paper reports the efficacy of a commercially available Type 2 attenuated vaccine in young pigs against heterologous challenge with a Chinese and Vietnamese HP-PRRSV isolate. When compared to unvaccinated pigs, vaccination decreased the length of viremia and viral titer, diminished the time of high fever and reduced macroscopic lung scores following homologous and heterologous PRRSV challenge. These results demonstrate the potential use of vaccine as an aid in the control of HP-PRRSV outbreaks.

Threonine and tryptophan supplementation enhance porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome (PRRS) vaccine-induced immune responses of growing pigs

The aim of the present study was to investigate influences of threonine and tryptophan supplementation (TTS) on immune response of growing pigs inoculated with modified live porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccine. Twenty growing barrows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly assigned to four groups according to the PRRS vaccination and TTS. Serum samples were collected from all pigs at days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 49 post-vaccination (day 0 defined as the day of vaccination). Pigs were euthanized and samples collected at day 49 post-vaccination. The results showed that TTS tended to increase weight gain and average daily gain (ADG) of pigs (P < 0.1). PRRS vaccine enhanced serum PRRSV-specific antibody, serum virus neutralizing (SVN) antibody and interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-1β concentrations (P < 0.05). The expression of TLR3 and TLR7 mRNA in lymph nodes were higher in TTS than in the control group after PRRS vaccine inoculation (P < 0.05). TTS diet mitigated lung damage which is induced by PRRS vaccination from microscopic evaluation. These results suggest that dietary TTS could improve growth performance of growing pigs, which may be ascribed to the improved immune response and mitigated lung damage.

Adjuvanted poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticle-entrapped inactivated porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus vaccine elicits cross-protective immune response in pigs

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), caused by the PRRS virus (PRRSV), is an economically devastating disease, causing daily losses of approximately $3 million to the US pork industry. Current vaccines have failed to completely prevent PRRS outbreaks. Recently, we have shown that poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticle-entrapped inactivated PRRSV vaccine (NP-KAg) induces a cross-protective immune response in pigs. To further improve its cross-protective efficacy, the NP-KAg vaccine formulation was slightly modified, and pigs were coadministered the vaccine twice intranasally with a potent adjuvant: Mycobacterium tuberculosis whole-cell lysate. In vaccinated virulent heterologous PRRSV-challenged pigs, the immune correlates in the blood were as follows: 1) enhanced PRRSV-specific antibody response with enhanced avidity of both immunoglobulin (Ig)-G and IgA isotypes, associated with augmented virus-neutralizing antibody titers; 2) comparable and increased levels of virus-specific IgG₁ and IgG₂ antibody subtypes and production of high levels of both T-helper (Th)-1 and Th2 cytokines, indicative of a balanced Th1–Th2 response; 3) suppressed immunosuppressive cytokine response; 4) increased frequency of interferon-γ⁺ lymphocyte subsets and expanded population of antigen-presenting cells; and most importantly 5) complete clearance of detectable replicating challenged heterologous PRRSV and close to threefold reduction in viral ribonucleic acid load detected in the blood. In conclusion, intranasal delivery of adjuvanted NP-KAg vaccine formulation to growing pigs elicited a broadly cross-protective immune response, showing the potential of this innovative vaccination strategy to prevent PRRS outbreaks in pigs. A similar approach to control other respiratory diseases in food animals and humans appears to be feasible.

PLGA nanoparticle entrapped killed porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus vaccine helps in viral clearance in pigs

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a chronic viral disease of pigs, has been posing a huge economic concern to pig industry worldwide. In this study, we developed biodegradable PLGA [poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide)] nanoparticle-entrapped killed PRRSV vaccine (Nano-KAg), and administered intranasally to pigs once and evaluated the immune correlates. In Nano-KAg vaccinated homologous virus challenged pigs, complete clearance of viremia was observed in 2 weeks, associated with a significant increase in virus neutralizing titers only in the lungs, compared to both unvaccinated and killed vaccine vaccinated pigs. The lung homogenate and sera of Nano-KAg vaccinated pigs had higher levels of IFN-γ and lower levels of TGF-β than control groups. Restimulation of mononuclear cells isolated from the lungs, blood, BAL, and TBLN of Nano-KAg vaccinated pigs’ secreted significantly increased levels of Th1 cytokines, IFN-γ and IL-12. In addition, higher frequencies of CD3⁺CD8⁺, CD4⁺CD8⁺, and γδ T cells, and reduced frequency of Foxp3⁺ T-regulatory cells were observed in Nano-KAg vaccinated pigs. Thus, intranasal delivery of Nano-KAg vaccine may be a suitable strategy to elicit anti-PRRSV immune response required to better clear viremia in pigs.

Comparison of different vaccination schedules for sustaining the immune response against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

In order to better understand how immunization against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) can be improved using commercial vaccines, different strategies of immunization were applied in the field using an inactivated vaccine (INV), a modified live vaccine (MLV) or a combination of the two and the responses compared. In experiment 1 (E1), 21 piglets were distributed in three groups. Group A was vaccinated with a commercial INV at 2.5, 3.5 and 6.5 months old; group B pigs received the INV at 1.5, 2.5, 5.5 and 6.5 months old, while pigs in group C were kept as unvaccinated controls. At 7.5 months of age all pigs were challenged with PRRSV and followed for 21 days. In experiment 2 (E2), 32 piglets were distributed evenly in four groups. Groups A, B and C were vaccinated with a commercial MLV at 1.5 months old, while group D pigs were kept as controls. At 4.5 months old, groups A and C received the INV while B received a second MLV, 1 month later group C pigs received a third INV. At 6.5 months old all pigs were challenged as in E1. In both experiments, total antibodies, neutralizing antibodies (NA) and cell-mediated immunity (CMI) were evaluated, and viraemia was determined after challenge. In E1, immunization with an INV induced high interferon-γ responses after the second and subsequent vaccinations. Development of NA after challenge was faster in INV vaccinated pigs compared to unvaccinated controls. In E2, re-vaccination with INV induced NA responses similar to re-vaccination with MLV; however, a significant increase in NA titres after challenge was only detected in group C pigs. The use of combined protocols (MLV+INV) was superior to the use of MLV alone in inducing cell mediated immunity. In conclusion, the highest immune responses against PRRSV after a single shot were achieved with MLV; after that, INV re-vaccination should be considered as the best strategy to induce significant boosters.

Predicted peptides from non-structural proteins of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus are able to induce IFN-γ and IL-10

This work describes peptides from non-structural proteins (nsp) of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) predicted as potential T cell epitopes by bioinfornatics and tested for their ability to induce IFN-γ and IL-10 responses. Pigs immunized with either genotype 1 or genotype 2 PRRSV attenuated vaccines (n=5/group) and unvaccinated pigs (n = 4) were used to test the peptides. Swine leukocyte antigen haplotype of each pig was also determined. Pigs were initially screened for IFN-γ responses (ELISPOT) and three peptides were identified; two of them in non-conserved segments of nsp2 and nsp5 and the other in a conserved region of nsp5 peptide. Then, peptides were screened for IL-10 inducing properties. Six peptides were found to induce IL-10 release in PBMC and some of them were also able to inhibit IFN-γ responses on PHA-stimulated cells. Interestingly, the IFN-γ low responder pigs against PRRSV were mostly homozygous for their SLA haplotypes. In conclusion, these results indicate that nsp of PRRSV contain T-cell epitopes inducing IFN-γ responses as well as IL-10 inducing segments with inhibitory capabilities.

Biodegradable nanoparticle-entrapped vaccine induces cross-protective immune response against a virulent heterologous respiratory viral infection in pigs

Biodegradable nanoparticle-based vaccine development research is unexplored in large animals and humans. In this study, we illustrated the efficacy of nanoparticle-entrapped UV-killed virus vaccine against an economically important respiratory viral disease of pigs called porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). We entrapped PLGA [poly (lactide-co-glycolides)] nanoparticles with killed PRRSV antigens (Nano-KAg) and detected its phagocytosis by pig alveolar macrophages. Single doses of Nano-KAg vaccine administered intranasally to pigs upregulated innate and PRRSV specific adaptive responses. In a virulent heterologous PRRSV challenge study, Nano-KAg vaccine significantly reduced the lung pathology and viremia, and the viral load in the lungs. Immunologically, enhanced innate and adaptive immune cell population and associated cytokines with decreased secretion of immunosuppressive mediators were observed at both mucosal sites and blood. In summary, we demonstrated the benefits of intranasal delivery of nanoparticle-based viral vaccine in eliciting cross-protective immune response in pigs, a potential large animal model.

Experimental infection of United States swine with a Chinese highly pathogenic strain of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

The pathogenesis of Type 2 highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV) in 10-week old swine in the United States was investigated. rJXwn06, rescued from an infectious clone of Chinese HP-PRRSV, replicated in swine with at least 100-fold increased kinetics over U.S. strain VR-2332. rJXwn06 caused significant weight loss, exacerbated disease due to bacterial sepsis and more severe histopathological lung lesions in pigs exposed to HP-PRRSV than to those infected with VR-2332. Novel findings include identification of bacterial species present, the degree of thymic atrophy seen, and the inclusion of contact animals that highlighted the ability of HP-PRRSV to rapidly transmit between animals. Furthermore, comprehensive detailed cytokine analysis of serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and tracheobronchial lymph node tissue homogenate revealed a striking elevation in levels of cytokines associated with both innate and adaptive immunity in HP-PRRSV infected swine, and showed that contact swine differed in the degree of cytokine response.

Gp96 enhances the immunogenicity of subunit vaccine of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes significant economic losses in the pig industry worldwide. Currently available commercial vaccines provide limited protection due to delayed and weak cell-mediated immunity and neutralizing antibody production, thus the immunomodulators should be considered in order to improve the efficacy of PRRSV vaccines. Heat shock protein gp96 may be used as a modulator to enhance both innate and adaptive immune responses. In the present study, two multi-epitope subunit vaccines, named as Cp1 and Cp2, were designed based on the conserved B cell epitopes of viral proteins with the N-terminal 22-370 amino acids (aa) of porcine gp96 (Gp96N) chosen as the adjuvant. Immune responses elicited by the different combinations of Cp1/Cp2 and Gp96N were examined in mice and piglets. The results indicated that the group of Cp1/Cp2-Gp96N (CG) combination induced 3-4-fold higher titers of Cp1/Cp2-ELISA antibodies and neutralizing antibodies (NAs) in mice than the groups which received Cp1/Cp2 immunization alone or with Freund's adjuvant. Additionally, Gp96N significantly enhanced the levels of lymphocyte proliferative responses of splenocytes or peripheral blood mononuclear cells from vaccinated mice or piglets. The production of IFN-γ in mice splenocytes, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-12 in sera of piglets were also remarkably increased with the treatment of Gp96N, while IL-4 was reduced by half and IL-10 was decreased to an undetectable level. These results suggest that the porcine Gp96N could effectively enhance the innate and adaptive immune responses of Cp1/Cp2 with a Th1-type bias. Therefore, the multi-epitope subunit vaccine Cp1/Cp2 co-administered with porcine Gp96N might potentially be a promising candidate vaccine for the prevention and control of PRRSV in pigs.

Mucosal vaccines to prevent porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome: a new perspective

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is an economically important infectious disease of swine. Constant emergence of variant strains of PRRS virus (PPRSV) and virus-mediated immune evasion followed by viral persistence result in increased incidence and recurrence of PRRS in swine herds. Current live and killed PRRSV vaccines administered by a parenteral route are ineffective in inducing complete protection. Thus, new approaches in design and delivery of PRRSV vaccines are needed to reduce the disease burden of the swine industry. Induction of an effective mucosal immunity to several respiratory pathogens by direct delivery of a vaccine to mucosal sites has proven to be effective in a mouse model. However, there are challenges in eliciting mucosal immunity to PRRS due to our limited understanding of safe and potent mucosal adjuvants, which could potentiate the mucosal immune response to PRRSV. The purpose of this review is to discuss methods for induction of protective mucosal immune responses in the respiratory tract of pigs. The manuscript also discusses how PRRSV modulates innate, adaptive and immunoregulatory responses at both mucosal and systemic sites of infected and/or vaccinated pigs. This information may help in the design of innovative mucosal vaccines to elicit superior cross-protective immunity against divergent field strains of PRRSV.

Characterization of homologous and heterologous adaptive immune responses in porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection

The present study characterized the homologous and heterologous immune response in type-I porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection. Two experiments were conducted: in experiment 1, eight pigs were inoculated with PRRSV strain 3262 and 84 days post-inoculation (dpi) they were challenged with either strain 3262 or strain 3267 and followed for the next 14 days (98 dpi). In experiment 2, eight pigs were inoculated with strain 3267 and challenged at 84 dpi as above. Clinical course, viremia, humoral response (neutralizing and non-neutralizing antibodies, NA) and virus-specific IFN-γ responses (ELISPOT) were evaluated all throughout the study. Serum levels of IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and TGF-β were determined (ELISA) after the second challenge. In experiment 1 primo-inoculation with strain 3262 induced viremia of ≤ 28 days, low titres of homologous NA but strong IFN-γ responses. In contrast, strain 3267 induced longer viremias (up to 56 days), higher NA titres (≤ 6 log₂) and lower IFN-γ responses. Inoculation with 3267 produced higher serum IL-8 levels. After the re-challenge at 84 dpi, pigs in experiment 1 developed mostly a one week viremia regardless of the strain used. In experiment 2, neither the homologous nor the heterologous challenge resulted in detectable viremia although PRRSV was present in tonsils of some animals. Homologous re-inoculation with 3267 produced elevated TGF-β levels in serum for 7–14 days but this did not occur with the heterologous re-inoculation. In conclusion, inoculation with different PRRSV strains result in different virological and immunological outcomes and in different degrees of homologous and heterologous protection.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus vaccines: Immunogenicity, efficacy and safety aspects

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection is the leading cause of economic casualty in swine industry worldwide. The virus can cause reproductive failure, respiratory disease, and growth retardation in the pigs. This review deals with current status of commercial PRRS vaccines presently used to control PRRS. The review focuses on the immunogenicity, protective efficacy and safety aspects of the vaccines. Commercial PRRS modified-live virus (MLV) vaccine elicits delayed humoral and cell-mediated immune responses following vaccination. The vaccine confers late but effective protection against genetically homologous PRRSV, and partial protection against genetically heterologous virus. The MLV vaccine is of concern for its safety as the vaccine virus can revert to virulence and cause diseases. PRRS killed virus (KV) vaccine, on the other hand, is safe but confers limited protection against either homologous or heterologous virus. The KV vaccine yet helps reduce disease severity when administered to the PRRSV-infected pigs. Although efforts have been made to improve the immunogenicity, efficacy and safety of PRRS vaccines, a better vaccine is still needed in order to protect against PRRSV.

Baculovirus as a PRRSV and PCV2 bivalent vaccine vector: baculovirus virions displaying simultaneously GP5 glycoprotein of PRRSV and capsid protein of PCV2

The GP5 glycoprotein of PRRSV is the main target for inducing neutralizing antibodies and protective immunity in the natural host. The capsid (Cap) protein is the major immunogenic protein and associated with the production of PCV2-specific neutralizing antibodies. In the present study, one genetic recombinant baculovirus BacSC-Dual-GP5-Cap was constructed. This virus displays simultaneously histidine-tagged GP5 and Cap proteins with the baculovirus glycoprotein gp64 TM and CTD on the virion surface as well as the surface of the virus-infected cells. After infection, the GP5 and Cap proteins were expressed and anchored simultaneously on the plasma membrane of Sf-9 cells, as revealed by Western blot and confocal microscopy. This report demonstrated first that both GP5 and Cap proteins were displayed successfully on the viral surface, revealed by immunogold electron microscopy. Vaccination of swine with recombinant baculovirus BacSC-Dual-GP5-Cap elicited significantly higher GP5 and Cap ELISA antibody titers in swine than the control groups. Virus neutralization test also showed that serum from the BacSC-Dual-GP5-Cap treated swine had significant levels of virus neutralization titers. Lymphocyte proliferation responses could be induced in swine immunized with BacSC-Dual-GP5-Cap than the control groups. These findings demonstrate that the BacSC-Dual-GP5-Cap bivalent subunit vaccine can be a potential vaccine against PRRSV and PCV2 infections.

North American porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses inhibit type I interferon production by plasmacytoid dendritic cells

Although enveloped viruses typically trigger the prodigious secretion of alpha interferon (IFN-α) by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), porcine pDC remain quiescent when exposed to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). This inactivity is likely due to virus-mediated interference since the typical IFN-α response by either purified or nonsorted porcine pDC to transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) or the Toll-like receptor 9 agonist, oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) D19, was markedly reduced in the presence of PRRSV. Suppression occurred independently of virus viability and acidification of pDC early endosomes but correlated with diminished levels of IFN-α mRNA. This change was attributed to an abrogation of transcription resulting from a decrease in the otherwise enhanced amounts of the requisite interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF-7), whose gene expression in turn was limited as a consequence of a lessened availability of nuclear-localized signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1). While PRRSV also inhibited tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) synthesis by pDC responding to either agent, only the interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-6 production instigated by ODN D19 exposure was blocked. Likewise, PRRSV did not impact a specific TGEV-associated enhancement of IL-8 expression. Moreover, an augmented phosphorylation of NF-κB seen in activated pDC was not only unaffected by PRRSV but actually occurred in its presence. Thus, as supported by a demonstrated resilience of pDC to PRRSV infection, this pathogen may interact with a cell surface protein(s) to selectively impede the completion of cascades involved in cytokine production by stimulated pDC.

Construction and immunogenicity of DNA vaccines encoding fusion protein of murine complement C3d-p28 and GP5 gene of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has recently caused catastrophic losses in swine industry worldwide. The commercial vaccines only provide a limited protection against PRRSV infection. At present, DNA vaccine is the focus on the new vaccines. The gene fragment (p28) coding for the molecular adjuvants complement protein C3d (mC3d) from BALB/c mouse was cloned and expressed as a fusion protein for its application in the vaccine study of mice. Three potential vaccines construct units were engineered to contain two, four and six copies of mC3d-p28 coding gene linked to the GP5 gene of PRRSV and one vaccine expressing GP5 alone (pcDNA3.1-GP5) was constructed. Subsequently, the vaccines' abilities to elicit the humoral and cellular immune responses were investigated in mice. These results showed that significantly enhanced GP5-specific ELISA antibody, GP5-specific neutralizing antibody, IFN-γ level, and IL-4 level, could be induced in mice immunized with DNA construct units encoding the pcDNA3.1-C3d-p28.n-GP5 than those received DNA vaccine expressing GP5 alone (pcDNA3.1-GP5). Analysis of the immunogenicity of different repeats of mC3d-p28 revealed that mC3d-p28 had an enhancing effect on the immunogenicity of antigens, and that six or more repeats of mC3d-p28 may be necessary for efficient enhancement of antigen specific immune responses. This approach may provide a new strategy for the development of efficient vaccines against the PRRSV for pigs in the future.

Marked differences between MARC-145 cells and swine alveolar macrophages in IFNβ-induced activation of antiviral state against PRRSV

The activation of antiviral activity induced by recombinant swine interferon beta (rswIFNβ) against PRRSV was comparatively examined in MARC-145 cells and porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs). A dose-response analysis showed, in MARC-145 cells, that isolate Mo25544 was highly sensitive to rswIFNβ while a vaccine strain and isolate PDV130-9301 were resistant to different extents. In contrast, all three viruses were equally sensitive to rswIFNβ in PAMs even at the lowest dose of IFN utilized in the bioassays. To analyze potential differences in mechanisms of antiviral activation between these cells, treatment with 2-aminopurine (2-AP), an inhibitor of double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR), was performed in rswIFNβ-treated cells. Addition of 2-AP to rswIFNβ-primed MARC-145 cells restored replication of the Mo25544 isolate, and to some extent that of vaccine virus and PDV130-9301. In contrast, virus replication could not be rescued for any of the three viruses with 2-AP in rswIFNβ-treated PAMs. The differences in sensitivity of PRRSV to rswIFNβ as well as the effects of 2-AP strongly suggest that MARC-145 cells and PAMs utilize different rswIFNβ-associated antiviral pathways. Therefore, studies to understand virus-host cell interactions performed in MARC-145 cells require additional scrutiny when utilized as a host cell model for immunologic responses to PRRSV.

In vivo growth of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus engineered nsp2 deletion mutants

Prior studies on PRRSV strain VR-2332 non-structural protein 2 (nsp2) had shown that as much as 403 amino acids could be removed from the hypervariable region without losing virus viability in vitro. We utilized selected nsp2 deletion mutants to examine in vivo growth. Young swine (4 pigs/group; 5 control swine) were inoculated intramuscularly with one of 4 nsp2 deletion mutants (rΔ727–813, rΔ543–726, rΔ324–523, rΔ324–726) or full-length recombinant virus (rVR-2332). Serum samples were collected on various days post-inoculation and analyzed by HerdChek* ELISA, PRRSV real time RT-PCR, gamma interferon (IFN-γ) ELISA, and nucleotide sequence analysis of the entire nsp2 coding region. Tracheobronchial lymph node weight compared to body weight was recorded for each animal and used as a clinical measurement of viral pathogenesis. Results showed that all deletion mutants grew less robustly than full-length recombinant virus, yet all but the large deletion virus (rΔ324–726) recovered to parental viral RNA levels by study end. Swine receiving the rΔ727–813 mutants had a significant decrease in lymph node enlargement compared to rVR-2332. While swine infection with rVR-2332 caused a rapid rise in serum IFN-γ levels, the IFN-γ protein produced by infection with 3 of the 4 deletion mutant viruses was significantly reduced, perhaps due to differences in viral growth kinetics. The rΔ543–726 nsp2 mutant virus, although growth impaired, mimicked rVR-2332 in inducing a host serum IFN-γ response but exhibited a 2-week delay. Targeted sequencing showed that all deletions were stable in the region coding for nsp2 after one swine passage. The data suggested that the selected nsp2 deletion mutants were growth attenuated in swine, altered the induction of serum IFN-γ, an innate cytokine of unknown function in PRRSV clearance, and pointed to a domain that may influence tracheobronchial lymph node size.

The M/GP(5) glycoprotein complex of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus binds the sialoadhesin receptor in a sialic acid-dependent manner

The porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a major threat to swine health worldwide and is considered the most significant viral disease in the swine industry today. In past years, studies on the entry of the virus into its host cell have led to the identification of a number of essential virus receptors and entry mediators. However, viral counterparts for these molecules have remained elusive and this has made rational development of new generation vaccines impossible. The main objective of this study was to identify the viral counterparts for sialoadhesin, a crucial PRRSV receptor on macrophages. For this purpose, a soluble form of sialoadhesin was constructed and validated. The soluble sialoadhesin could bind PRRSV in a sialic acid-dependent manner and could neutralize PRRSV infection of macrophages, thereby confirming the role of sialoadhesin as an essential PRRSV receptor on macrophages. Although sialic acids are present on the GP₃, GP₄ and GP₅ envelope glycoproteins, only the M/GP₅ glycoprotein complex of PRRSV was identified as a ligand for sialoadhesin. The interaction was found to be dependent on the sialic acid binding capacity of sialoadhesin and on the presence of sialic acids on GP₅. These findings not only contribute to a better understanding of PRRSV biology, but the knowledge and tools generated in this study also hold the key to the development of a new generation of PRRSV vaccines.

The porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a major threat to swine health worldwide. The virus specifically targets subpopulations of macrophages, central players in the immune system, and can persist in animals for extended periods of time due to a hampered immunity. At present, no vaccines are available that are both safe and effective and it is clear that a more rational vaccine design is needed to solve this problem. Therefore, advancing our fundamental understanding of PRRSV biology is crucial. The macrophage-specific lectin sialoadhesin is a crucial viral receptor on macrophages and although its role in PRRSV infection is well documented, its viral counterparts have remained unknown. Using a soluble form of sialoadhesin, we identified the M/GP₅ glycoprotein complex of PRRSV as the ligand for sialoadhesin and found this ligand-receptor interaction to be critically dependent on the lectin activity of sialoadhesin and on sialic acids on the GP₅ glycoprotein. These data represent a major breakthrough in the understanding of the role of PRRSV proteins in viral entry and pave the way for the development of a new generation of PRRSV vaccines capable of inducing an immunity that specifically blocks the interaction between viral M/GP₅ and sialoadhesin.

Vaccine efficacy of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus chimeras

The vaccine efficacy of six PRRSV Type 2 infectious clones, including five chimeras and a strain-specific deletion mutant, were examined using a respiratory challenge model in growing swine. The chimeras were constructed from different combinations of a licensed modified live vaccine (Ingelvac PRRS MLV) and a virulent field isolate (wt MN184) which differ by 14.3% on a nucleotide basis, while the deletion mutant tested had a broad deletion in the nsp2 region of strain MN184. The appearance of antibodies and virus characterization revealed regions of the genome that could influence PRRSV replication in vivo. Swine growth, clinical signs and lung lesions were also monitored. Average daily weight gain was negatively and directly impacted by some vaccines, and after challenge, vaccination with different constructs led to variable weight gain. We determined that 3 of the tested chimeras, including two previously published chimeras [1] and one in which strain MN184 ORF5-6 was placed on the background of Ingelvac PRRS MLV were able to prevent lung consolidation to a similar extent as traditionally prepared cell-passaged attenuated vaccines. The study suggested that only specific chimeras can attenuate clinical signs in swine and that attenuation cannot be directly linked to primary virus replication. Additionally, the strain MN184 deletion mutant was not found to have been sufficiently attenuated nor efficacious against heterologous challenge with strain JA-142.