| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3429131 | Virus Research | 2010 | 9 Pages |
This manuscript focuses on the advances made using genomic approaches to identify biomarkers that define genes and pathways that are correlated with swine resistance to infection with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), the most economically important swine viral pathogen worldwide. International efforts are underway to assess resistance and susceptibility to infectious pathogens using tools such as gene arrays, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) chips, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), proteomics, and advanced bioinformatics. These studies should identify new candidate genes and biological pathways associated with host PRRS resistance and alternate viral disease processes and mechanisms; they may unveil biomarkers that account for genetic control of PRRS or, alternately, that reveal new targets for therapeutics or vaccines. Previous genomic approaches have expanded our understanding of quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling traits of economic importance in pig production, e.g., feed efficiency, meat production, leanness; only recently have these included health traits and disease resistance. Genomic studies should have substantial impact for the pig industry since it is now possible to include the use of biomarkers for basic health traits alongside broader set of markers utilized for selection of pigs for improved performance and reproductive traits, as well as pork quality. Additionally these studies may reveal alternate PRRS control mechanisms that can be exploited for novel drugs, biotherapeutics and vaccine designs.
Research highlights▶ Breed differences clearly play a role in determining resistance/susceptibility of pigs to PRRSV. ▶ Pigs from lines or breeds with improved reproductive traits are more resistant to the effects of PRRSV infection than lines selected for lean growth rate. ▶ Control of expression of swine cytokines, e.g., IFNa and IFNg, is key to improved PRRS resistance. ▶ PRRS virus has developed sophisticated mechanisms to escape host immune defenses, e.g., using anti-apoptotic signals.
