Suppression of bovine ephemeral fever virus by RNA interference

RNA interference (RNAi) was used to suppress bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV). Plasmids expressing continuously shRNAs were used against G gene of BEFV to induce RNA interference in cultured cells. A GFP reporter assay was established to determine the efficiency and specificity of siRNA and the potential of BEFV to hamper RNAi. Two of five small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were shown to suppress BEFV. Suppression of the G gene of BEFV corresponded with reduction of viral plaques and progeny titer. The results suggest that RNAi has the potential for use in suppression of BEFV infection with possible therapeutic implications.