Project Number: 3625-32000-088-09
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Oct 01, 2007
End Date: Apr 01, 2009

Objective:
PRRSV causes persistent disease for largely unknown reasons, one being the inadequate swine response to viral infection. This project is designed as a small study to determine the potential function of individual viral proteins in subverting the host immune response. The goal of the research is to identify PRRSV viral structural proteins that serve as type I interferon (IFNs) antagonists, down-regulating the IFNs that are key components of innate immunity.

Approach:
This initial research will elucidate candidate PRRSV proteins through a unique model system in vitro. We will evaluate whether any of the PRRSV MN184 strain structural proteins act as interferon antagonists in vitro. We will then determine the viral protein(s) with the most effective anti-IFN activity using different PRRSV strains.