Immunogenicity and pathogenicity of chimeric infectious DNA clones of pathogenic porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and nonpathogenic PCV1 in weanling pigs

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the primary causative agent of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), whereas the ubiquitous porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1) is nonpathogenic for pigs. We report here the construction and characterization of two chimeric infectious DNA clones of PCV1 and PCV2. The chimeric PCV1-2 clone contains the PCV2 capsid gene cloned in the backbone of the nonpathogenic PCV1 genome. A reciprocal chimeric PCV2-1 DNA clone was also constructed by replacing the PCV2 capsid gene with that of PCV1 in the backbone of the PCV2 genome. The PCV1, PCV2, and chimeric PCV1-2 and PCV2-1 DNA clones were all shown to be infectious in PK-15 cells, and their growth characteristics in vitro were determined and compared. To evaluate the immunogenicity and pathogenicity of the chimeric infectious DNA clones, 40 specific-pathogen-free (SPF) pigs were randomly assigned into five groups of eight pigs each. Group 1 pigs received phosphate-buffered saline as the negative control. Group 2 pigs were each injected in the superficial inguinal lymph nodes with 200 micro g of the PCV1 infectious DNA clone. Group 3 pigs were each similarly injected with 200 micro g of the PCV2 infectious DNA clone, group 4 pigs were each injected with 200 micro g of the chimeric PCV1-2 infectious DNA clone, and group 5 pigs were each injected with 200 micro g of the reciprocal chimeric PCV2-1 infectious DNA clone. As expected, seroconversion to antibodies to the PCV2 capsid antigen was detected in group 3 and group 4 pigs. Group 2 and 5 pigs all seroconverted to PCV1 antibody. Gross and microscopic lesions in various tissues of animals inoculated with the PCV2 infectious DNA clone were significantly more severe than those found in pigs inoculated with PCV1, chimeric PCV1-2, and reciprocal chimeric PCV2-1 infectious DNA clones. These data indicated that the chimeric PCV1-2 virus with the immunogenic ORF2 capsid gene of pathogenic PCV2 cloned into the nonpathogenic PCV1 genomic backbone induces a specific antibody response to the pathogenic PCV2 capsid antigen but is attenuated in pigs. Future studies are warranted to evaluate the usefulness of the chimeric PCV1-2 infectious DNA clone as a genetically engineered live-attenuated vaccine against PCV2 infection and PMWS.     

Epitope mapping of the major capsid protein of type 2 porcine circovirus (PCV2) by using chimeric PCV1 and PCV2

Type 2 porcine circovirus (PCV2) is associated with postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome in pigs, whereas the genetically related type 1 PCV (PCV1) is nonpathogenic. In this study, seven monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against PCV2-ORF2 capsid protein were generated, biologically characterized, and subsequently used to map the antigenic sites of PCV2 capsid protein by using infectious PCV DNA clones containing PCV1/PCV2-ORF2 chimeras. The PCV1/PCV2-ORF2 chimeras were constructed by serial deletions of PCV2-ORF2 and replacement with the corresponding sequences of the PCV1-ORF2. The reactivities of chimeric PCV1/PCV2 clones in transfected PK-15 cells with the seven MAbs were detected by an immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The chimera (r140) with a deletion of 47 amino acids at the N terminus of PCV2-ORF2 reacted strongly to all seven MAbs. Expanding the deletion of PCV2-ORF2 from residues 47 to 57 (r175) abolished the recognition of MAb 3B7, 3C11, 4A10, 6H2, or 8F6 to the chimera. Further deletion of PCV2-ORF2 to 62 residues disrupted the binding of this chimera to all seven MAbs. IFA reactivities with all MAbs were absent when residues 165 to 233 at the C terminus of PCV2-ORF2 was replaced with that of PCV1-ORF2. Extending the sequence of PCV2-ORF2 from residues 165 (r464) to 185 (r526), 200 (r588), or 224 (r652) restored the ability of the three chimeras to react with MAbs 3C11, 6H2, 9H7, and 12G3 but not with 8F6, 3B7, or 4A10. When the four amino acids at the C terminus of r588 were replaced with that of PCV2-ORF2, the resulting chimera (r588F) reacted with all seven MAbs. The results from this study suggest that these seven MAbs recognized at least five different but overlapping conformational epitopes within residues 47 to 63 and 165 to 200 and the last four amino acids at the C terminus of the PCV2 capsid protein.     

Coreplication of the major genotype group members of porcine circovirus type 2 as a prerequisite to coevolution may explain the variable disease manifestations

A member of the family Circoviridae, porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), is associated with postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), a recent emerging disease worldwide. PCV2 is also found in clinically asymptomatic animals. This paradoxical finding makes the syndrome etiology challenging. We developed new assays to study PCV2 with links to syndrome etiology. For analysis, we used PCV2-infected tissues from subclinically infected and diseased piglets. We compared antigen- and PCV2 DNA-derived signals for tissue localization and intensity. Oligonucleotides were designed to the signature motif of the PCV2 capsid open reading frame to discriminate experimentally between PCV2 genotype groups by PCR, in situ hybridization (ISH), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Unexpectedly, all PCV2-infected animals carried both PCV2a and PCV2b genotype group members. Using confocal microscopy, genotype single-cell infections and cell superinfections were visible. Additionally, we discriminated replicative DNA from total PCV2 DNA isoforms with FISH. This aided in our inquiry into cellular genotype-specific replication. Importantly, single-genotype-group replication was not observed. In infected cells with replicating virus, both genotype groups were equally present. These findings suggest PCV2 genotype group members relaxed replication regulation requirements and may even point to PCV2 replication cooperativity in vivo. These observations explain the readily seen PCV2 DNA recombinations and the high overall PCV2 genome plasticity. Hence, we suggest a novel mechanism of syndrome etiology that consists of a continuously changing PCV2 genome pool in hosts and pig herds, posing a constant challenge to the individual maturing immune system.     

Complete genome sequence of a novel field strain of rearranged porcine circovirus type 2 in southern china

We report here the complete genomic sequence of a novel porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) strain, which is supposed to be the result of natural genetic recombination between the ORF1 gene of genotype PCV2b-1B and the ORF2 gene of PCV2b-1C. Further analyses revealed that this novel PCV2 strain arose from recombination between PCV2a and PCV2b strains within the ORF2 gene. To our knowledge, this is the first report of both inter- and intragenotype PCV2 gene rearrangement in the field, and it will help in understanding the epidemiology and molecular characteristics of porcine circovirus type 2(PCV2) in southern China.     

Porcine circovirus 2 uses heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate B glycosaminoglycans as receptors for its attachment to host cells

Monocyte/macrophage lineage cells are target cells in vivo for porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) replication. The porcine monocytic cell line 3D4/31 supports PCV2 replication in vitro, and attachment and internalization kinetics of PCV2 have been established in these cells. However, PCV2 receptors remain unknown. Glycosaminoglycans (GAG) are used by several viruses as receptors. The present study examined the role of GAG in attachment and infection of PCV2. Heparin, heparan sulfate (HS), chondroitin sulfate B (CS-B), but not CS-A, and keratan sulfate reduced PCV2 infection when these GAG were incubated with PCV2 prior to and during inoculation of 3D4/31 cells. Enzymatic removal of HS and CS-B prior to PCV2 inoculation of 3D4/31 cells significantly reduced PCV2 infection. Similarly, when PCV2 virus-like particles (VLP) were allowed to bind onto 3D4/31 cells in the presence of heparin and CS-B, attachment was strongly reduced. Titration of field isolates and low- and high-passage laboratory strains of PCV2 in the presence of heparin significantly reduced PCV2 titers, showing that the capacity of PCV2 to bind GAG was not acquired during in vitro cultivation but is an intrinsic feature of wild-type virus. When Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were inoculated with PCV2, relative percentages of PCV2-infected cells were 27% +/- 8% for HS-deficient and 12% +/- 10% for GAG-deficient cells compared to wild-type cells (100%). Furthermore, it was shown using heparin-Sepharose chromatography that both PCV2 and PCV2 VLP directly interacted with heparin. Together, these results show that HS and CS-B are attachment receptors for PCV2.     

A chimeric porcine circovirus (PCV) with the immunogenic capsid gene of the pathogenic PCV type 2 (PCV2) cloned into the genomic backbone of the nonpathogenic PCV1 induces protective immunity against PCV2 infection in pigs

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is associated with postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome in pigs, whereas PCV1 is nonpathogenic. We previously demonstrated that a chimeric PCV1-2 virus (with the immunogenic capsid gene of PCV2 cloned into the backbone of PCV1) induces an antibody response to the PCV2 capsid protein and is attenuated in pigs. Here, we report that the attenuated chimeric PCV1-2 induces protective immunity to wild-type PCV2 challenge in pigs. A total of 48 specific-pathogen-free piglets were randomly and equally assigned to four groups of 12 pigs each. Pigs in group 1 were vaccinated by intramuscular injection with 200 microg of the chimeric PCV1-2 infectious DNA clone. Pigs in group 2 were vaccinated by intralymphoid injection with 200 microg of a chimeric PCV1-2 infectious DNA clone. Pigs in group 3 were vaccinated by intramuscular injection with 10(3.5) 50% tissue culture infective doses (TCID(50)) of the chimeric PCV1-2 live virus. Pigs in group 4 were not vaccinated and served as controls. By 42 days postvaccination (DPV), the majority of pigs had seroconverted to PCV2 capsid antibody. At 42 DPV, all pigs were challenged intranasally and intramuscularly with 2 x 10(4.5) TCID(50) of a wild-type pathogenic PCV2 virus. By 21 days postchallenge (DPC), 9 out of the 12 group 4 pigs were viremic for PCV2. Vaccinated animals in groups 1 to 3 had no detectable PCV2 viremia after challenge. At 21 DPC the lymph nodes in the nonvaccinated pigs were larger (P < 0.05) than those of vaccinated pigs. The PCV2 genomic copy loads in lymph nodes were reduced (P < 0.0001) in vaccinated pigs. Moderate amounts of PCV2 antigen were detected in most lymphoid tissues of nonvaccinated pigs but in only 1 of 36 vaccinated pigs. Mild-to-severe lymphoid depletion and histiocytic replacement were detected in lymphoid tissues in the majority of nonvaccinated group 4 pigs but in only a few vaccinated group 1 to 3 pigs. The data from this study indicated that when given intramuscularly in pigs, the attenuated chimeric PCV1-2 live virus, as well as the chimeric PCV1-2 infectious DNA clone, induces protective immunity against PCV2 infection and could potentially serve as an effective vaccine.     

A Duplex Real-Time PCR Assay for the Simultaneous Detection of Porcine Circovirus 2 and Circovirus 3

Porcine circoviruses (PCV) include PCV1, PCV2, and the new-emerging PCV3. PCV2 is pathogenic to pigs, but the pathogenicity of PCV3 in pigs is debatable. Recently, there have been frequent reports of PCV2 and PCV3 co-infections in clinical samples. Thus, it would be practical to develop a duplex PCR method to detect PCV2 and PCV3 simultaneously. In this study, specific primers and probes were designed to target PCV2 cap and PCV3 rep genes. A duplex real-time PCR method was then developed to detect the two viruses. The assay was found to be highly specific, sensitive, and reproducible for PCV2/3 without cross-reactions with other swine pathogens. The sensitivity of this assay was 2.9 copies for the PCV2 plasmid and 22.5 copies for the PCV3 plasmid. The established assay was then used to detect PCV2/3 infection in 340 clinical samples collected in the first half of 2017. The results showed that the co-infection rate of PCV2/3 in the samples was 27.6%. Our study provides an important tool that can be used to perform urgently needed surveys for the two porcine circoviruses to evaluate their impact on the swine industry.     

嵌合猪圆环病毒PCV1-2的构建及其感染性初步鉴定

猪Ⅱ型圆环病毒(PCV2)是当前严重危害养猪业的重要病原之一。目前,世界上还没有有效疫苗用于该病毒的免疫预防。该研究利用PCR方法,将PCV2的ORF2基因替换猪Ⅰ型圆环病毒(PCV1)的ORF2基因,构建了以PCV1基因组为骨架的嵌合病毒(PCV1-2)分子克隆(pSK2PCV1-2)。将该分子克隆转染PK-15细胞并连续盲传5代,用RT-PCR方法可以在转染后盲传的细胞中检测到PCV1的ORF1 mRNA和PCV2的ORF2 mRNA,但检测不到PCV1的ORF2 mRNA和PCV2的ORF1 mRNA。间接免疫荧光检测显示在盲传第5代的细胞中有PCV2 ORF2蛋白的表达,表达蛋白主要分布于细胞核。该研究初步证实构建的PCV1-2分子克隆转染细胞后可以形成具有感染性的嵌合病毒,从而为更深入研究嵌合病毒生物学特性奠定了基础。     

A candidate inactivated chimeric vaccine PCV1-2 constructed based on PCV1 and PCV2 isolates originating in China and its evaluation in conventional pigs in regard to protective efficacy against PCV2 infection

A chimeric PCV1-2 clone containing the PCV2 capsid gene cloned into the backbone of the nonpathogenic PCV1 genome was recently generated based on PCV2 and PCV1 strains isolated in China. The efficacy of this available candidate inactivated vaccine was evaluated by subjecting conventional pigs to intramuscular immunization with the inactivated chimeric PCV1-2 virus, followed by challenge with wild-type PCV2 strain. By 35 days post-vaccination (DPV), all vaccinated pigs had developed seroconversion, having high indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) titers of antibody and neutralizing antibody against PCV2. By 21 days post-challenge, gross and microscopic lesions of lymph nodes and lungs in non-vaccinated but challenged pigs were significantly more severe than those found in the vaccinated group. PCV2 viral copy loads detected in the tracheobronchial lymph nodes or serum samples of vaccinated pigs were significantly smaller than those in non-vaccinated but challenged pigs (P ≤ 0.05). The results suggest that inactivated PCV1-2 is effective in inducing protective immunity against PCV2 infection.     

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) vaccination is effective in reducing disease and PCV2 shedding in semen of boars concurrently infected with PCV2 and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae

The objectives were to determine whether the amount of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) shed in semen increased in boars experimentally coinfected with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (MHYO), and whether PCV2 vaccination of boars prior to PCV2 exposure reduced PCV2 viremia and virus shedding in semen. Twelve specific-pathogen-free PCV2- and MHYO-naïve boars were randomly and equally assigned to one of four groups. Six boars were vaccinated against PCV2 (VAC) on Day 0; three PCV2 vaccinated and three non-vaccinated boars were inoculated with MHYO on Day 21, and all boars were challenged with PCV2 on Day 35. The four treatment groups included PCV2-Infected (I), VAC-PCV2-I, MHYO-PCV2-Coinfected (CoI), and VAC-MHYO-PCV2-CoI. Semen, blood swabs, feces, and serum samples were collected weekly until Day 70. All vaccinated boars had seroconverted to PCV2 by Day 35. Between Days 28 and 35, MHYO boars developed moderate respiratory disease, characterized by coughing, respiratory distress, mucopurulent nasal discharge and loss of body condition. One MHYO-PCV2-CoI boar died on Day 50. Boars in the PCV2-I and MHYO-PCV2-CoI groups had significantly higher PCV2 DNA loads in blood swabs than the remaining boars. Moreover, PCV2 vaccination significantly reduced the incidence and amount of PCV2 shedding in semen and feces. In summary, although concurrent MHYO infection did not influence PCV2 shedding patterns, coinfection of boars with PCV2 and MHYO resulted in severe clinical disease and viral shedding was significantly decreased by PCV2 vaccination.     

猪圆环病毒2型(PCV2)核衣壳蛋白免疫原性的鉴定和应用及其多抗在PCV2感染诊断中的应用

猪圆环病毒2型ORF2编码与病毒毒力相关的结构蛋白--核衣壳蛋白(Cap),该蛋白可以用于PCV2感染的血清学调查,但不同区域的PCV2分离株的ORF2特别是其抗原表位序列存在一定的突变.本研究将PCV2浙江分离株ORF2的主要抗原表位以及PCV1 ORF2进行了原核表达,将分别纯化的融合蛋白Cap2s和Cap1s免疫SPF兔后制备多抗,并进一步分析了纯化蛋白的免疫原性和多抗的特性.Western blot结果表明无论Cap2s和Cap1s均能与两个多抗发生交叉反应,而PCV2或PCV1阳性猪血清只能分别特异性地识别Cap2s和Cap1s.IFA结果则证明两个多抗对于天然Cap蛋白无交叉反应性.利用Cap2s作为包被抗原对13个猪场的259份血清样品的PCV2抗体进行ELISA检测,平均阳性率为80.69%(209/259),而各猪场的阳性率差异较大(48.28%～100%).以上结果表明Cap2s可作为一个型特异性抗原用于浙江省本地猪场猪群血清中PCV2抗体的监控,而其多抗也可用于免疫组化对PCV2感染进行有效诊断.     

Selenium blocks porcine circovirus type 2 replication promotion induced by oxidative stress by improving GPx1 expression

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is recognized as a key infectious agent in postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), but not all pigs infected with PCV2 will develop PMWS. The aim of this work was to explore the relationships among PCV2 infection, oxidative stress, and selenium in a PK-15 cell culture model of PCV2 infection. The results showed that oxidative stress induced by H(2)O(2) treatment increased PCV2 replication as measured by PCV2 DNA copies and the number of infected cells. Furthermore, PCV2 replication was inhibited by selenomethionine (SeMet) at a high concentration (6μM) and the increase in PCV2 replication by oxidative stress was blocked by SeMet at physiological concentrations (2 or 4μM). PCV2 infection caused a decrease in glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) activity but an increase in GPx1 mRNA levels, suggesting that GPx1 may represent an important defense mechanism during PCV2 infection. SeMet did not significantly block the promotion of PCV2 replication in GPx1-knockdown cells. This observation correlates with the observed influence of SeMet on GPx1 mRNA and activity in GPx1-knockdown cells, indicating that GPx1 plays a key role in blocking the promotion of PCV2 replication. We conclude that differences in morbidity and severity of PMWS observed on different pig farms may be related to variations in oxidative stress and that selenium has a potential role in the control of PCV2 infection.     

Cytotoxicity of ORF3 Proteins from a Nonpathogenic and a Pathogenic Porcine Circovirus

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infection is associated with significant and serious swine diseases worldwide, while PCV1 appears to be a nonpathogenic virus. Previous studies demonstrated that the ORF3 protein of PCV2 (PCV2ORF3) was involved in PCV2 pathogenesis via its proapoptotic capability (J. Liu, I. Chen, Q. Du, H. Chua, and J. Kwang, J. Virol. 80:5065-5073, 2006). If PCV2ORF3-induced apoptosis is a determinant of virulence, PCV1ORF3 is hypothesized to lack this ability. The properties of PCV1 and PCV2 ORF3, expressed as fusion proteins to an enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP), were characterized with regard to their ability to cause cellular morphological changes, detachment, death, and apoptosis. PCV1ORF3 significantly induced more apoptotic cell death and was toxic to more different cell types than PCV2ORF3 was. PCV1ORF3-associated cell death was caspase dependent. PCV1ORF3 also induced poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP) cleavage; however, whether PARP was involved in cell death requires further studies. Truncation of PCV1 and elongation of PCV2 ORF3 proteins revealed that the first 104 amino acids contain a domain capable of inducing cell death, whereas the C terminus of PCV1ORF3 contains a domain possibly responsible for enhancing cell death. These results suggest that the pathogenicity of PCV2 for pigs is either not determined or not solely determined by the ORF3 protein.Lymphocyte depletion and the presence of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) genome and antigens (4, 6, 21) are hallmarks of PCV-associated disease (PCVAD), a wasting and immunosuppressive ailment of postweaned pigs. Despite two decades of research, little is known about the molecular pathogenesis of PCVAD.PCV2 is the smallest known autonomous vertebrate virus containing a 1.7-kb single-stranded, ambisense DNA genome (32). The virus has two major open reading frames (ORFs) that encode the replication proteins (Rep and Rep′) involved in the initiation of virus replication (17) and a capsid protein (Cap), forming the capsid of the virion (32). A third ORF encodes an ORF3 protein that has been characterized as an inducer of apoptosis (14). Abrogation of ORF3 expression attenuated PCV2 pathogenesis in BALB/c mice (13) and specific-pathogen-free piglets (9). This led to the hypothesis that ORF3 is involved in PCV2 pathogenesis by inducing apoptosis in infected lymphocytes, leading to lymphocyte depletion and ultimately immunosuppression (13, 25). The closely related, yet nonpathogenic porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1) also has a third open reading frame, but the properties of the ORF3 protein of PCV1 (PCV1ORF3) have not been characterized. Analysis of over 250 PCV2 variants and 30 PCV1 variants shows a consistent single-nucleotide substitution in the ORF3 coding sequence of PCV2 (PCV2ORF3), resulting in a stop codon and a protein that is half the size of PCV1ORF3 (PCV2ORF3 is made up of 104 amino acids [aa] compared to PCV1ORF3, which is made up of 206 aa). A comparison between PCV1 and PCV2 ORF3 translated regions reveals only 60% amino acid sequence identity (5), making ORF3 the most variable protein among the three identified major proteins of PCV. If ORF3 is a determinant of virulence of PCV2 via its apoptotic capability, PCV1ORF3 is hypothesized to lack the ability to induce apoptotic cell death. This report demonstrates the differences in cytotoxic properties between PCV1ORF3 and PCV2ORF3. Interestingly, PCV1ORF3 appeared to be more cytotoxic than PCV2ORF3, activating a caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway and potentially a caspase-independent, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP) cleavage pathway. Further analysis of truncated PCV1ORF3 and elongated PCV2ORF3 showed that different ORF3 proteins had similar patterns of cytotoxicity, although full-length PCV1ORF3 was the most potent inducer of cell death.     

Effect of natural or vaccine-induced porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) immunity on fetal infection after artificial insemination with PCV2 spiked semen

The objectives of this study were to determine if vaccination against porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) or previous PCV2 infection of the dam are sufficient to prevent fetal infection when dams are artificially inseminated with PCV2-spiked semen. Nine sows (Sus domestica) were allocated into three groups of three dams each: The PCV2 naïve negative control Group 1 was artificially inseminated with extended PCV2 DNA negative semen during estrus, whereas the extended semen used in the vaccinated Group 2 (PCV2 vaccine was given 8 wk before insemination) and PCV2-exposed Group 3 (infected with PCV2 12 wk before insemination) was spiked with 5 mL of PCV2 inoculum with a titer of 10^4.2 tissue culture infectious dose (TCID₅₀) per milliliter at each breeding. The dams in the vaccinated and PCV2-exposed groups were positive for PCV2 antibody but negative for PCV2 DNA in serum at the time of insemination. Three negative control dams, two vaccinated dams, and three dams with previous PCV2 exposure became pregnant and maintained pregnancy to term. After artificial insemination, viremia was detected in one of three vaccinated dams and in two of three dams with previous PCV2 exposure. At farrowing, PCV2 infection was not detected in any piglets or fetuses expelled from the negative control dams or from dams with previous PCV2 exposure. In litters of the vaccinated dams, 15 of 24 live-born piglets were PCV2 viremic at birth, with 6 of 26 fetuses having detectable PCV2 antigen in tissues. In conclusion, vaccine-induced immunity did not prevent fetal infection in this sow model using semen spiked with PCV2.     

2010–2015年华东地区猪圆环病毒2型的分子流行病学分析

【目的】猪圆环病毒2型(PCV2)是严重危害世界养猪业的重要传染病,即猪圆环病毒相关疾病(PCVAD)的重要病原,其致病机制及流行规律尚未阐明。本研究对2010–2015年间采集自中国华东地区的病料进行PCV2检测,以探讨中国华东地区PCV2的分子流行病学特征,分析PCV2的遗传演化规律。【方法】本研究利用PCR方法对384份断奶仔猪多系统衰竭综合征疑似发病猪样本进行检测,并对随机选取的42份阳性样品进行PCV2全基因组的测定和分析。【结果】华东地区普遍存在PCV2的感染,阳性率为41.15%。序列扩增获得42株PCV2全长基因组,同源性和系统进化树分析表明,基于PCV2 ORF2和全长核苷酸序列构建的系统进化树结构是基本一致的。从病料中测得的42株PCV2与11株参考毒株序列的ORF2基因的核苷酸和氨基酸序列同源性分别为87.0%–100.0%和82.5%–100.0%。遗传进化分析显示,53株PCV2毒株可分为4个基因型,即PCV2a、PCV2b、PCV2c和PCV2d。本文获得的42株序列ORF2基因的核苷酸和氨基酸序列同源性分别为89.6%–100.0%和86.8%–100%,...     

A porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) mutant with 234 amino acids in capsid protein showed more virulence in vivo, compared with classical PCV2a/b strain

Background

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is considered to be the primary causative agent of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), which has become a serious economic problem for the swine industry worldwide. The major genotypes, PCV2a and PCV2b, are highly prevalent in the pig population and are present worldwide. However, another newly emerging PCV2b genotype mutant, which has a mutation in its ORF2-encoded capsid protein, has been sporadically present in China, as well as in other countries. It is therefore important to determine the relative virulence of the newly emerging PCV2b genotype mutant, compared with the existing PCV2a and PCV2b genotypes, and to investigate whether the newly emerging mutant virus induces more severe illness.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Twenty healthy, 30-day-old, commercial piglets served as controls or were challenged with PCV2a, PCV2b and the newly emerging mutant virus. A series of indexes representing different parameters were adopted to evaluate virulence, including clinical signs, serological detection, viral load and distribution, changes in immune cell subsets in the peripheral blood, and evaluation of pathological lesions. The newly emerging PCV2 mutant demonstrated more severe signs compatible with PMWS, characterized by wasting, coughing, dyspnea, diarrhea, rough hair-coat and depression. Moreover, the pathological lesions and viremia, as well as the viral loads in lymph nodes, tonsils and spleen, were significantly more severe (P<0.05) for piglets challenged with the newly emerging mutant compared with those in the groups challenged with PCV2a and PCV2b. In addition, a significantly lower average daily weight gain (P<0.05) was recorded in the group challenged with the newly emerging PCV2 mutant than in the groups challenged with the prevailing PCV2a and PCV2b.

Conclusions

This is believed to be the first report to confirm the enhanced virulence of the newly emerging PCV2 mutant in vivo.     

重组表达猪圆环病毒2型衣壳蛋白的抗原特性分析

将猪圆环病毒2型(PCV2 )去核定位信号衣壳蛋白(Nuclearlocalizationsignal_defectedcapsidprotein ,dCap)与谷胱甘肽_S_转移酶(GST)融合,在大肠杆菌中表达,经纯化和凝血酶剪切分别获得纯化的GST_dCap融合蛋白和dCap蛋白,Westernblot结果表明二者都能与猪抗PCV2血清发生特异性反应。dCap蛋白免疫小鼠制备的单克隆抗体,不仅能特异地与GST_dCap融合蛋白、dCap蛋白和纯化的PCV2粒子发生反应,而且能特异地与PK_15细胞内的PCV2病毒颗粒发生反应,其中抗dCap蛋白的单克隆抗体4C4、3F6和2G7具有阻止病毒感染细胞的能力。表明原核表达的dCap蛋白完全或部分正确模拟了PCV2天然衣壳蛋白的构像,PCV2衣壳蛋白存在阻止PCV2病毒感染细胞的功能性表位。同时重组PCV2dCap蛋白的获得为进一步研究Cap蛋白晶体结构和将重组的dCap蛋白作为抗原建立血清学诊断试剂及疫苗研究提供了基础     

In Vitro Coinfection and Replication of Classical Swine Fever Virus and Porcine Circovirus Type 2 in PK15 Cells

Increasing clinical lines of evidence have shown the coinfection/superinfection of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and classical swine fever virus (CSFV). Here, we investigated whether PCV2 and CSFV could infect the same cell productively by constructing an in vitro coinfection model. Our results indicated that PCV2-free PK15 cells but not ST cells were more sensitive to PCV2, and the PK15 cell line could stably harbor replicating CSFV (PK15-CSFV cells) with a high infection rate. Confocal and super-resolution microscopic analysis showed that PCV2 and CSFV colocalized in the same PK15-CSFV cell, and the CSFV E2 protein translocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in PK15-CSFV cells infected with PCV2. Moreover, PCV2-CSFV dual-positive cells increased gradually in PK15-CSFV cells in a PCV2 dose-dependent manner. In PK15-CSFV cells, PCV2 replicated well, and the production of PCV2 progeny was not influenced by CSFV infection. However, CSFV reproduction decreased in a PCV2 dose-dependent manner. In addition, cellular apoptosis was not strengthened in PK15-CSFV cells infected with PCV2 in comparison with PCV2-infected PK15 cells. Moreover, using this coinfection model we further demonstrated PCV2-induced apoptosis might contribute to the impairment of CSFV HCLV strain replication in coinfected cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate for the first time the coinfection/superinfection of PCV2 and CSFV within the same cell, providing an in vitro model to facilitate further investigation of the underlying mechanism of CSFV and PCV2 coinfection.     

Experimental inoculation of conventional pigs with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and porcine circovirus 2

Postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) is a disease of nursery and fattening pigs characterized by growth retardation, paleness of the skin, dyspnea, and increased mortality rates. Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) has been demonstrated to be the cause of PMWS. However, other factors are needed for full development of the syndrome, and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection has been suggested to be one of them. Twenty-four conventional 5-week-old pigs were distributed in four groups: control (n = 5), PRRSV inoculated (n = 5), PCV2 inoculated (n = 7), and PRRSV and PCV2 inoculated (n = 7). The two groups inoculated with PRRSV showed growth retardation. Pigs inoculated with both PRRSV and PCV2 had increased rectal temperature. One of these pigs developed wasting, had severe respiratory distress, and died. The most important microscopic lesion in pigs inoculated with PCV2 was lymphocyte depletion with histiocytic infiltration of the lymphoid organs, more severe and in a wider range of tissues in doubly inoculated pigs. Interstitial pneumonia was observed in the three inoculated groups. PCV2 nucleic acid was found by in situ hybridization in larger amounts and in a wider range of lymphoid tissues in PRRSV- and PCV2-inoculated than in PCV2-inoculated pigs. TaqMan PCR was performed to quantify the PCV2 loads in serum during the experiment. PCV2 loads were higher in doubly inoculated pigs than in pigs inoculated with PCV2 alone. These findings indicate that severe disease can be reproduced in conventional 5-week-old pigs by inoculation of PRRSV and PCV2. Moreover, these results support the hypothesis that PRRSV infection enhances PCV2 replication.