Different expression patterns of PRRSV mediator genes in the lung tissues of PRRSV resistant and susceptible pigs

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) has caused severe economic loss in most swine-producing countries. The resistance to PRRS virus (PRRSV) infection varies among pig breeds and lines. In this study, we found that the Chinese Dapulian pigs (DPL) were more resistant to PRRSV than commercial Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire (DLY) crossbred pigs in that lower rectal temperature and lower PRRSV copy number in the serum were detected in the former. Analysis of the mRNA expression of five PRRSV mediator genes (SIGLEC1, NMMHC-IIA, CD163, VIM and HSPG2) in the lung tissues indicated differences in expression between DLY and DPL pigs. In uninfected porcine lung tissues, the levels of SIGLEC1, NMMHC-IIA, CD163 and VIM genes were significantly higher in DLY than in DPL pigs (P < 0.05); in PRRSV-infected pigs, the expression levels of NMMHC-IIA and CD163 mRNA were significantly higher in DPL pigs compared to uninfected ones (P < 0.05), whereas these levels were not different in DLY pigs or between infected DPL and DLY pigs. Thus, the different expression of PRRSV mediator genes is likely related to pig resistance to PRRSV.

► Dapulian pigs are more resistant than DLY pigs to PRRSV infection.
► Difference in expression of NMMHC-IIA, CD163 and SIGLEC1 genes exists.
► Different expression of such genes is likely related to pig resistance to PRRSV.