Molecular Biology of Pseudorabies Virus: Impact on Neurovirology and Veterinary Medicine

Abstract

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a herpesvirus of swine, a member of the Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily, and the etiological agent of Aujeszky's disease. This review describes the contributions of PRV research to herpesvirus biology, neurobiology, and viral pathogenesis by focusing on (i) the molecular biology of PRV, (ii) model systems to study PRV pathogenesis and neurovirulence, (iii) PRV transsynaptic tracing of neuronal circuits, and (iv) veterinary aspects of pseudorabies disease. The structure of the enveloped infectious particle, the content of the viral DNA genome, and a step-by-step overview of the viral replication cycle are presented. PRV infection is initiated by binding to cellular receptors to allow penetration into the cell. After reaching the nucleus, the viral genome directs a regulated gene expression cascade that culminates with viral DNA replication and production of new virion constituents. Finally, progeny virions self-assemble and exit the host cells. Animal models and neuronal culture systems developed for the study of PRV pathogenesis and neurovirulence are discussed. PRV serves as a self-perpetuating transsynaptic tracer of neuronal circuitry, and we detail the original studies of PRV circuitry mapping, the biology underlying this application, and the development of the next generation of tracer viruses. The basic veterinary aspects of pseudorabies management and disease in swine are discussed. PRV infection progresses from acute infection of the respiratory epithelium to latent infection in the peripheral nervous system. Sporadic reactivation from latency can transmit PRV to new hosts. The successful management of PRV disease has relied on vaccination, prevention, and testing

Modulation of CD112 by the alphaherpesvirus gD protein suppresses DNAM-1–dependent NK cell-mediated lysis of infected cells

“…To investigate a potential effect of alphaherpesvirus gD expression on NKmediated lysis, the porcine PRV was used. PRV is commonly used as a model pathogen to study general aspects of alphaherpesvirus biology (32). In addition, gD of PRV has the unique capacity to bind both CD112 and CD155 (29,30).…”

Wild boar offal as a probable source of Aujeszky’s disease virus for hunting dogs in Poland

“…The disease is caused by Suid herpesvirus 1 (SuHV1), also called "Aujeszky's disease virus" (ADV), or "pseudorabies virus", which belongs to the family Herpesviridae, subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae, genus Varicellovirus (1,16,20).…”

“…The virus has tropism to both respiratory and nervous systems. Symptoms of disease depend on age of pigs, health status, viral strain, and infectious dose (16,20).…”

Pseudorabies virus isolates from domestic pigs and wild boars show no apparent in vitro differences in replication kinetics and sensitivity to interferon-induced antiviral status

“…Members of the family Suidae are the only natural hosts of the virus and infection is characterized by respiratory, reproductive and neurological symptoms. The severity of the symptoms depends on the age of the swine and the virulence of the strain (Pomeranz et al, 2005). Aujeszky's disease occurred only sporadically before the 1960s, and pigs were considered to be only a reservoir for the virus.…”

“…Aujeszky's disease occurred only sporadically before the 1960s, and pigs were considered to be only a reservoir for the virus. Since the early 1980s, an increase in clinical outbreaks has been reported, coinciding with the emergence of more virulent stains and the intensification of swine production (Pomeranz et al, 2005;Nauwynck et al, 2007). In view of the great economic impact of the virus, large-scale vaccination programmes were set up, which led to the eradication of the virus in the domestic swine population in several European countries, including Belgium (Decision 2011/648/EU).…”