Interaction of the replication proteins and the capsid protein of porcine circovirus type 1 and 2 with host proteins

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is an important pathogen in swine, whereas porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1) is apathogenic. To analyze the interactions between PCV and its host, we have used a yeast two-hybrid assay to identify cellular proteins interacting with Cap and Rep proteins of both PCV genotypes. Six cellular proteins were found to interact with Cap (MKRN1, gC1qR, Par-4, NAP1, NPM1 and Hsp40) and three with Rep (ZNF265, TDG and VG5Q). These interactions were confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation. Investigation of the localisation of the proteins by immunofluorescence revealed in some cases only limited spatial overlapping with Cap, while in others a clear co-localisation and prominent protein redistribution was observed. The nine cellular proteins are associated with distinct aspects of viral lifecycle and our data is likely to support future research in the field of PCV2 pathogenesis.