Short hairpin RNA targeted to the highly conserved 2B nonstructural protein coding region inhibits replication of multiple serotypes of foot-and-mouth disease virus

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is one of the most contagious agents of animals. Recent disease outbreaks in FMD-free countries have prompted the development of new control strategies that could improve the levels of protection against this virus. We have delivered a plasmid expressing a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) directed against a highly conserved sequence in the 2B nonstructural protein coding region of FMDV RNA to porcine cells. After virus infection, these cells showed a significant reduction in the synthesis of viral RNA and proteins, as well as a decrease in virus yield when compared to control cells. The antiviral effect was sequence specific and not attributable to induction of the interferon pathway. Since FMDV is an antigenically variable virus, we examined the effectiveness of this strategy against multiple serotypes and found that expressed 2B shRNA resulted in efficient silencing of at least 4 FMDV serotypes. Thus, RNA interference may be a potential alternative control strategy to limit the spread of this highly contagious virus in livestock.