The porcine circovirus 3 humoral response: characterization of maternally derived antibodies and dynamic following experimental infection

Abstract

Since Porcine Circovirus 3 (PCV3) was first identified in 2016, our understanding of the humoral response is still relatively scarce. Current knowledge of the PCV3 humoral response is primarily based on field studies identifying the seroprevalence of PCV3 Cap-induced antibodies. Studies on the humoral response following experimental PCV3 infection have conflicting results where one study reports the development of the Cap IgG response 7 days postinfection with no concurrent Cap IgM response, while a second study shows a Cap IgM response at the same time point with no detection of Cap IgG. The dynamics of the PCV3 Cap and Rep IgG following maternal antibody transfer and experimental infection have not been well characterized. Additionally, the cross-reactivity of convalescent serum from PCV2 and PCV3 experimentally infected animals to serologic methods of the alternate PCV has limited evaluation. Here, we show that maternally derived antibodies were detectable in piglet serum 7–9 weeks postfarrowing for the Cap IgG and 5-weeks-post farrowing for the Rep IgG using Cap- and Rep-specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and immunofluorescent assays (IFA) methods. Following experimental inoculation, Cap IgG was detected at 2-weeks-post inoculation and Rep IgG detection was delayed until 4-weeks-post inoculation. Furthermore, convalescent serum from either PCV2 or PCV3 methods displayed no cross-reactivity by serological methods against the other PCV. The information gained in this study highlights the development of both the Cap- and Rep-specific antibodies following experimental infection and through the transfer of maternal antibodies. The increased understanding of the dynamics of maternal antibody transfer and development of the humoral response following infection gained in the present study may aid in the establishment of husbandry practices and potential application of prophylactics to control PCV3 clinical disease. IMPORTANCE Research on Porcine Circovirus 3 (PCV3) immunology is vital for understanding and controlling this virus. Previous studies primarily relied on field observations, but they have shown conflicting results about the immunological response against PCV3. This study helps fill those gaps by looking at how antibodies develop in pigs, especially those maternal-derived, and their impact in neonatal pigs preventing PCV3-associated disease in piglets. In addition, we look at the dynamics of antibodies in experimental infections mimicking infection in pigs in the grower-phase condition. Understanding this process can help to develop better strategies to prevent PCV3 infection. Also, this research found that PCV2 and PCV3 do not cross-react, which is crucial for serological test development and results interpretation. Overall, this work is essential for improving swine health and farming practices in the face of PCV3 infections.