Identification of conserved epitopes on a hog cholera virus protein

Coatsome-replicon vehicles: Self-replicating RNA vaccines against infectious diseases

Herein, we provide the first description of a synthetic delivery method for self-replicating replicon RNAs (RepRNA) derived from classical swine fever virus (CSFV) using a Coatsome-replicon vehicle based on Coatsome® SS technologies. This results in an unprecedented efficacy when compared to well-established polyplexes, with up to ∼65 fold-increase of the synthesis of RepRNA-encoded gene of interest (GOI). We demonstrated the efficacy of such Coatsome-replicon vehicles for RepRNA-mediated induction of CD8 T-cell responses in mice. Moreover, we provide new insights on physical properties of the RepRNA, showing that the removal of all CSFV structural protein genes has a positive effect on the translation of the GOI. Finally, we successfully engineered RepRNA constructs encoding a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) antigen, providing an example of antigen expression with potential application to combat viral diseases. The versatility and simplicity of modifying and manufacturing these Coatsome-replicon vehicle formulations represents a major asset to tackle foreseeable emerging pandemics.

Removal of the Erns RNase Activity and of the 3' Untranslated Region Polyuridine Insertion in a Low-Virulence Classical Swine Fever Virus Triggers a Cytokine Storm and Lethal Disease

In this study, we assessed the potential synergistic effect of the E^rns RNase activity and the poly-U insertion in the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of the low-virulence classical swine fever virus (CSFV) isolate Pinar de Rio (PdR) in innate and adaptive immunity regulation and its relationship with classical swine fever (CSF) pathogenesis in pigs. We knocked out the E^rns RNase activity of PdR and replaced the long polyuridine sequence of the 3′ UTR with 5 uridines found typically at this position, resulting in a double mutant, vPdR-H₃₀K-5U. This mutant induced severe CSF in 5-day-old piglets and 3-week-old pigs, with higher lethality in the newborn (89.5%) than in the older (33.3%) pigs. However, the viremia and viral excretion were surprisingly low, while the virus load was high in the tonsils. Only alpha interferon (IFN-α) and interleukin 12 (IL-12) were highly and consistently elevated in the two groups. Additionally, high IL-8 levels were found in the newborn but not in the older pigs. This points toward a role of these cytokines in the CSF outcome, with age-related differences. The disproportional activation of innate immunity might limit systemic viral spread from the tonsils and increase virus clearance, inducing strong cytokine-mediated symptoms. Infection with vPdR-H₃₀K-5U resulted in poor neutralizing antibody responses compared with results obtained previously with the parent and RNase knockout PdR. This study shows for the first time the synergistic effect of the 3′ UTR and the E^rns RNase function in regulating innate immunity against CSFV, favoring virus replication in target tissue and thus contributing to disease severity.

IMPORTANCE CSF is one of the most relevant viral epizootic diseases of swine, with high economic and sanitary impact. Systematic stamping out of infected herds with and without vaccination has permitted regional virus eradication. However, the causative agent, CSFV, persists in certain areas of the world, leading to disease reemergence. Nowadays, low- and moderate-virulence strains that could induce unapparent CSF forms are prevalent, posing a challenge for disease eradication. Here, we show for the first time the synergistic role of lacking the E^rns RNase activity and the 3′ UTR polyuridine insertion from a low-virulence CSFV isolate in innate immunity disproportional activation. This might limit systemic viral spread to the tonsils and increase virus clearance, inducing strong cytokine-mediated symptoms, thus contributing to disease severity. These results highlight the role played by the E^rns RNase activity and the 3′ UTR in CSFV pathogenesis, providing new perspectives for novel diagnostic tools and vaccine strategies.

TNF-Mediated Inhibition of Classical Swine Fever Virus Replication Is IRF1-, NF-κB- and JAK/STAT Signaling-Dependent

The sera from pigs infected with virulent classical swine fever virus (CSFV) contain substantial amounts of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a prototype proinflammatory cytokine with pleiotropic activities. TNF limits the replication of CSFV in cell culture. In order to investigate the signaling involved in the antiviral activity of TNF, we employed small-molecule inhibitors to interfere specifically with JAK/STAT and NF-κB signaling pathways in near-to-primary endothelial PEDSV.15 cells. In addition, we knocked out selected factors of the interferon (IFN) induction and signaling pathways using CRISPR/Cas9. We found that the anti-CSFV effect of TNF was sensitive to JAK/STAT inhibitors, suggesting that TNF induces IFN signaling. Accordingly, we observed that the antiviral effect of TNF was dependent on intact type I IFN signaling as PEDSV.15 cells with the disrupted type I IFN receptor lost their capacity to limit the replication of CSFV after TNF treatment. Consequently, we examined whether TNF activates the type I IFN induction pathway. With genetically modified PEDSV.15 cells deficient in functional interferon regulatory factor 1 or 3 (IRF1 or IRF3), we observed that the anti-CSFV activity exhibited by TNF was dependent on IRF1, whereas IRF3 was dispensable. This was distinct from the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-driven antiviral effect that relied on both IRF1 and IRF3. In agreement with the requirement of IRF1 to induce TNF- and LPS-mediated antiviral effects, intact IRF1 was also essential for TNF- and LPS-mediated induction of IFN-β mRNA, while the activation of NF-κB was not dependent on IRF1. Nevertheless, NF-κB activation was essential for the TNF-mediated antiviral effect. Finally, we observed that CSFV failed to counteract the TNF-mediated induction of the IFN-β mRNA in PEDSV.15 cells, suggesting that CSFV does not interfere with IRF1-dependent signaling. In summary, we report that the proinflammatory cytokine TNF limits the replication of CSFV in PEDSV.15 cells by specific induction of an IRF1-dependent antiviral type I IFN response.

Abrogation of the RNase activity of Erns in a low virulence classical swine fever virus enhances the humoral immune response and reduces virulence, transmissibility, and persistence in pigs

The prevalence of low virulence classical swine fever virus (CSFV) strains makes viral eradication difficult in endemic countries. However, the determinants for natural CSFV attenuation and persistence in the field remain unidentified. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of the RNase activity of CSFV E^rns in pathogenesis, immune response, persistent infection, and viral transmission in pigs. To this end, a functional cDNA clone pPdR-H₃₀K-36U with an E^rns lacking RNase activity was constructed based on the low virulence CSFV field isolate Pinar de Rio (PdR). Eighteen 5-day-old piglets were infected with vPdR-H₃₀K-36U. Nine piglets were introduced as contacts. The vPdR-H₃₀K-36U virus was attenuated in piglets compared to the parental vPdR-36U. Only RNA traces were detected in sera and body secretions and no virus was isolated from tonsils, showing that RNase inactivation may reduce CSFV persistence and transmissibility. The vPdR-H₃₀K-36U mutant strongly activated the interferon-α (IFN-α) production in plasmacytoid dendritic cells, while in vivo, the IFN-α response was variable, from moderate to undetectable depending on the animal. This suggests a role of the CSFV E^rns RNase activity in the regulation of innate immune responses. Infection with vPdR-H₃₀K-36U resulted in higher antibody levels against the E2 and E^rns glycoproteins and in enhanced neutralizing antibody responses when compared with vPdR-36U. These results pave the way toward a better understanding of viral attenuation mechanisms of CSFV in pigs. In addition, they provide novel insights relevant for the development of DIVA vaccines in combination with diagnostic assays for efficient CSF control.

Reduced Virus Load in Lungs of Pigs Challenged with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus after Vaccination with Virus Replicon Particles Encoding Conserved PRRSV Cytotoxic T-Cell Epitopes

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes severe respiratory distress and reproductive failure in swine. Modified live virus (MLV) vaccines provide the highest degree of protection and are most often the preferred choice. While somewhat protective, the use of MLVs is accompanied by multiple safety issues, why safer alternatives are urgently needed. Here, we describe the generation of virus replicon particles (VRPs) based on a classical swine fever virus genome incapable of producing infectious progeny and designed to express conserved PRRSV-2 cytotoxic T-cell epitopes. Eighteen pigs matched with the epitopes by their swine leucocyte antigen-profiles were vaccinated (N = 11, test group) or sham-vaccinated (N = 7, control group) with the VRPs and subsequently challenged with PRRSV-2. The responses to vaccination and challenge were monitored using serological, immunological, and virological analyses. Challenge virus load in serum did not differ significantly between the groups, whereas the virus load in the caudal part of the lung was significantly lower in the test group compared to the control group. The number of peptide-induced interferon-γ secreting cells after challenge was higher and more frequent in the test group than in the control group. Together, our results provide indications of a shapeable PRRSV-specific cell-mediated immune response that may inspire future development of effective PRRSV vaccines.

A cloned classical swine fever virus derived from the vaccine strain GPE- causes cytopathic effect in CPK-NS cells via type-I interferon-dependent necroptosis

Classical swine fever viruses (CSFVs) do typically not show cytopathic effect (CPE) in cell culture, while some strains such as vaccine strain the GPE^- induce CPE in the swine kidney-derived CPK-NS cell line cultured in serum-free medium. These latter strains commonly lack N^pro-mediated inhibition of type-I interferon (IFN) induction. In order to explore the molecular mechanisms of GPE^--induced CPE, we analyzed the cellular pathways involved. In CPK-NS cells infected with the attenuated-vaccine-derived vGPE^- strain, both, apoptosis and necroptosis were induced. Necroptosis was type-I IFN-dependent and critical for visible CPE. In contrast, the parental virulent vALD-A76 strain did not induce any of these pathways nor CPE. We used reverse genetics to investigate which viral factors regulate these cell-death pathways. Interestingly, a mutant vGPE^- in which the N^pro function was restored to inhibit type-I IFN induction did not induce necroptosis nor CPE but still induced apoptosis, while an N^pro-mutant vALD-A76 incapable of inhibiting type-I IFN production induced necroptosis and CPE. Although E^rns of CSFV is reportedly involved in controlling apoptosis, apoptosis induction by vGPE^- or apoptosis inhibition by vALD-A76 were independent of the unique amino acid difference found in E^rns of these two strains. Altogether, these results demonstrate that type-I IFN-dependent necroptosis related to non-functional N^pro is the main mechanism for CPE induction by vGPE^-, and that viral factor(s) other than E^rns may induce or inhibit apoptosis in vGPE^- or vALD-A76 infected CPK-NS cells, respectively.

Evaluation of surface glycoproteins of classical swine fever virus as immunogens and reagents for serological diagnosis of infections in pigs: a recombinant Newcastle disease virus approach

Classical swine fever (CSF) is an important viral disease of domestic pigs and wild boar. The structural proteins E2 and E^rns of classical swine fever virus (CSFV), which participate in the attachment of the virion to the host cell surface and its subsequent entry, are immunogenic. The E2 and E^rns proteins are used for diagnosis and the development of vaccines against CSFV infection in swine. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) has been successfully used as a viral vector to express heterologous proteins. In the present study, the E2 and E^rns proteins of CSFV were expressed in cell culture as well as embryonated chicken eggs, using recombinant NDV (rNDV). Rescued rNDV expressing the E2 and E^rns proteins induced the production of CSFV-neutralizing antibodies upon intranasal vaccination of pigs. Serum samples from vaccinated animals were found to neutralize both homologous and heterologous CSFV strains. Furthermore, rNDV expressing the E2 and E^rns proteins of CSFV was used to develop an indirect ELISA, which was used to measure the the antibody titers of randomly collected serum samples. The results suggested that the ELISA based on rNDV-expressed E2 and E^rns proteins could be used to screen for CSFV infections. This study shows that rNDV-based expression of CSFV antigens is potentially applicable for development of vaccines and diagnostic tests for CSFV infection. This approach could be an economically favorable alternative to the existing vaccine and diagnostics for CSFV in pigs.

An immuno-chromatographic lateral flow assay (LFA) for rapid on-the-farm detection of classical swine fever virus (CSFV)

Classical swine fever (CSF) is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease of domestic pigs. Classical swine fever is routinely diagnosed by clinical signs, serology, detection of CSF virus (CSFV) nucleic acid by PCR and virus isolation. Most of the current CSF diagnostic methods are expensive and have an extended turnaround time. In the majority of the CSF endemic countries, lack of easy access to diagnostic facilities is a major problem for swine producers trying to obtain early diagnosis and often results in the entire herd being infected. The acute form of CSF can show non-specific signs of illness, leaving CSF often undiagnosed. Hence there is an urgent need for a rapid and reliable pen side diagnostic assay for the better detection and control of this economically important disease of swine. We developed an immuno-chromatographic lateral flow assay (LFA) for on the farm detection of CSFV. A CSFV isolate [CSFV/AP/TRP2/2009 (TS2)] of genotype 1.1 was used for the production of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for the LFA's development. The virus detection level of the LFA device was 36.8 TCID₅₀/ml of CSFV. The sensitivity and specificity of LFA in comparison with PCR were 80.36% and 87.10%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values of the LFA device were 91.84% and 87.10%, respectively. In conclusion, the CSFV-LFA is a reliable and convenient resource for preliminary on the farm detection of classic swine fever.

Intracellular membrane association of the N-terminal domain of classical swine fever virus NS4B determines viral genome replication and virulence

Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) causes a highly contagious disease in pigs that can range from a severe haemorrhagic fever to a nearly unapparent disease, depending on the virulence of the virus strain. Little is known about the viral molecular determinants of CSFV virulence. The nonstructural protein NS4B is essential for viral replication. However, the roles of CSFV NS4B in viral genome replication and pathogenesis have not yet been elucidated. NS4B of the GPE-  vaccine strain and of the highly virulent Eystrup strain differ by a total of seven amino acid residues, two of which are located in the predicted trans-membrane domains of NS4B and were described previously to relate to virulence, and five residues clustering in the N-terminal part. In the present study, we examined the potential role of these five amino acids in modulating genome replication and determining pathogenicity in pigs. A chimeric low virulent GPE- -derived virus carrying the complete Eystrup NS4B showed enhanced pathogenicity in pigs. The in vitro replication efficiency of the NS4B chimeric GPE-  replicon was significantly higher than that of the replicon carrying only the two Eystrup-specific amino acids in NS4B. In silico and in vitro data suggest that the N-terminal part of NS4B forms an amphipathic α-helix structure. The N-terminal NS4B with these five amino acid residues is associated with the intracellular membranes. Taken together, this is the first gain-of-function study showing that the N-terminal domain of NS4B can determine CSFV genome replication in cell culture and viral pathogenicity in pigs.

Efficient sensing of infected cells in absence of virus particles by plasmacytoid dendritic cells is blocked by the viral ribonuclease E(rns.)

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) have been shown to efficiently sense HCV- or HIV-infected cells, using a virion-free pathway. Here, we demonstrate for classical swine fever virus, a member of the Flaviviridae, that this process is much more efficient in terms of interferon-alpha induction when compared to direct stimulation by virus particles. By employment of virus replicon particles or infectious RNA which can replicate but not form de novo virions, we exclude a transfer of virus from the donor cell to the pDC. pDC activation by infected cells was mediated by a contact-dependent RNA transfer to pDC, which was sensitive to a TLR7 inhibitor. This was inhibited by drugs affecting the cytoskeleton and membrane cholesterol. We further demonstrate that a unique viral protein with ribonuclease activity, the viral E^rns protein of pestiviruses, efficiently prevented this process. This required intact ribonuclease function in intracellular compartments. We propose that this pathway of activation could be of particular importance for viruses which tend to be mostly cell-associated, cause persistent infection, and are non-cytopathogenic.

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) represent the most potent producers of interferon type I and are therefore of major importance in antiviral defences. A TLR7-dependent induction of interferon-α in pDC by infected cells in the absence of virions has been demonstrated for hepatitis C virus. Here, we show that this pathway is also very efficient for classical swine fever virus, a pestivirus that is also a member of the Flaviviridae. Our data indicate a transfer of RNA from the donor cell to pDC in a cell-contact-dependent manner requiring intact lipid rafts and cytoskeleton of the donor cell. Importantly, we demonstrate that the enigmatic viral E^rns protein unique to pestiviruses efficiently prevents this pathway of pDC activation. This novel function of E^rns is dependent on its RNase activity within intracellular compartments. The present study underlines the importance of pDC activation by infected cells and identifies a novel pathway of virus escaping the interferon system. Considering that E^rns is required for pestiviruses to establish persistent infection of foetuses after transplacental virus transmission resulting in the development of immunotolerant animals, this report also points on a possible role of pDC in preventing immunotolerance after viral infection of foetuses.

Immunology of BVDV vaccines

Providing acquired immune protection against infection with bovine viral diarrhea viruses (BVDV) is challenging due to the heterogeneity that exists among BVDV strains and the ability of the virus to infect the fetus and establish persistent infections. Both modified live and killed vaccines have been shown to be efficacious under controlled conditions. Both humoral and cellular immune responses are protective. Following natural infection or vaccination with a modified live vaccine, the majority of the B cell response (as measured by serum antibodies) is directed against the viral proteins E2 and NS2/3, with minor responses against the Erns and E1 proteins. Vaccination with killed vaccines results in serum antibodies directed mainly at the E2 protein. It appears that the major neutralizing epitopes are conformational and are located within the N-terminal half of the E2 protein. While it is thought that the E2 and NS2/3 proteins induce protective T cell responses, these epitopes have not been mapped. Prevention of fetal infections requires T and B cell response levels that approach sterilizing immunity. The heterogeneity that exists among circulating BVDV strains, works against establishing such immunity. Vaccination, while not 100% effective in every individual animal, is effective at the herd level.

New insights into the antigenic structure of the glycoprotein E(rns) of classical swine fever virus by epitope mapping

The E(rns) glycoprotein of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) has been studied in detail concerning biochemical and functional properties, whereas less is known about its antigenic structure. In order to define epitopes recognized by CSFV-specific antibodies, the binding sites of seven E(rns)-specific monoclonal antibodies were investigated. Mapping experiments using chimeric E(rns) proteins, site-directed mutagenesis and an overlapping peptide library identified one antigenic region located between amino acids (aa) 55 to 110 on the E(rns) protein of CSFV Alfort/187. The domain comprises three linear motifs *(64)TNYTCCKLQ(72), (73)RHEWNKHGW(81), and (88)DPWIQLMNR(96), respectively, and two aa at position 102 and 107 that are crucial for the interaction with antibodies. Additionally, the presentation of the epitope in a correct conformation is mandatory for an efficient antibody binding. These findings allow a better understanding of the organization and the structure of the E(rns) and provide valuable information with regard to the development of E(rns)-based diagnostic tests.

Propagation of classical swine fever virus in vitro circumventing heparan sulfate-adaptation

Amplification of natural virus isolates in permanent cell lines can result in adaptation, in particular enhanced binding to heparan sulfate (HS)-containing glycosaminoglycans present on most vertebrate cells. This has been reported for several viruses, including the pestivirus classical swine fever virus (CSFV), the causative agent of a highly contagious hemorrhagic disease in pigs. Propagation of CSFV in cell culture is essential in virus diagnostics and research. Adaptation of CSFV to HS-binding has been related to amino acid changes in the viral E(rns) glycoprotein, resulting in viruses with altered replication characteristics in vitro and in vivo. Consequently, a compound blocking the HS-containing structures on cell surfaces was employed to monitor conversion from HS-independency to HS-dependency. It was shown that the porcine PEDSV.15 cell line permitted propagation of CSFV within a limited number of passages without adaptation to HS-binding. The selection of HS-dependent CSFV mutants was also prevented by propagation of the virus in the presence of DSTP 27. The importance of these findings can be seen from the altered ratio of cell-associated to secreted virus upon acquisition of enhanced HS-binding affinity, a phenotype proposed previously to be related to virulence in the natural host.

Immunogenic and replicative properties of classical swine fever virus replicon particles modified to induce IFN-α/β and carry foreign genes

Virus replicon particles (VRP) are genetically engineered infectious virions incapable of generating progeny virus due to partial or complete deletion of at least one structural gene. VRP fulfil the criteria of a safe vaccine and gene delivery system. With VRP derived from classical swine fever virus (CSF-VRP), a single intradermal vaccination protects from disease. Spreading of the challenge virus in the host is however not completely abolished. Parameters that are critical for immunogenicity of CSF-VRP are not well characterized. Considering the importance of type I interferon (IFN-α/β) to immune defence development, we generated IFN-α/β-inducing VRP to determine how this would influence vaccine efficacy. We also evaluated the effect of co-expressing granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in the vaccine context. The VRP were capable of long-term replication in cell culture despite the presence of IFN-α/β. In vivo, RNA replication was essential for the induction of an immune response. IFN-α/β-inducing and GM-CSF-expressing CSF-VRP were similar to unmodified VRP in terms of antibody and peripheral T-cell responses, and in reducing the blood levels of challenge virus RNA. Importantly, the IFN-α/β-inducing VRP did show increased efficacy over the unmodified VRP in terms of B-cell and T-cell responses, when tested with secondary immune responses by in vitro restimulation assay.

Classical swine fever virus can remain virulent after specific elimination of the interferon regulatory factor 3-degrading function of Npro

Pestiviruses prevent alpha/beta interferon (IFN-alpha/beta) production by promoting proteasomal degradation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) by means of the viral N(pro) nonstructural protein. N(pro) is also an autoprotease, and its amino-terminal coding sequence is involved in translation initiation. We previously showed with classical swine fever virus (CSFV) that deletion of the entire N(pro) gene resulted in attenuation in pigs. In order to elaborate on the role of the N(pro)-mediated IRF3 degradation in classical swine fever pathogenesis, we searched for minimal amino acid substitutions in N(pro) that would specifically abrogate this function. Our mutational analyses showed that degradation of IRF3 and autoprotease activity are two independent but structurally overlapping functions of N(pro). We describe two mutations in N(pro) that eliminate N(pro)-mediated IRF3 degradation without affecting the autoprotease activity. We also show that the conserved standard sequence at these particular positions is essential for N(pro) to interact with IRF3. Surprisingly, when these two mutations are introduced independently in the backbones of highly and moderately virulent CSFV, the resulting viruses are not attenuated, or are only partially attenuated, in 8- to 10-week-old pigs. This contrasts with the fact that these mutant viruses have lost the capacity to degrade IRF3 and to prevent IFN-alpha/beta induction in porcine cell lines and monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that contrary to previous assumptions and to the case for other viral systems, impairment of IRF3-dependent IFN-alpha/beta induction is not a prerequisite for CSFV virulence.

Antigenic differentiation of classical swine fever vaccinal strain PAV-250 from other strains, including field strains from Mexico

Twenty-nine classical swine fever virus (CSFv) strains were grown in the PK15 or SK6 cell lines. Antigenic differentiation studies were performed using monoclonal antibodies (McAbs), produced at Lelystad (CDI-DLO), The Netherlands. The monoclonals which were classified numerically as monoclonals 2-13. Epitope map patterns that resulted from the reactivity with McAbs were found to be unrelated to the pathogenicity of the viruses studied. Antigenic determinants were recognized by McAbs 5 and 8, were not detected in some Mexican strains; however, sites for McAb 6 were absent in all strains. The PAV-250 vaccine strain was recognized by all MAbs, except by MAb 6. Furthermore, the Chinese C-S vaccine strain was found to be very similar to the GPE(-) vaccine. None of the studied Mexican vaccines or field strains was found to be similar to the PAV-250 vaccine strain.

Chimeric pestiviruses: candidates for live-attenuated classical swine fever marker vaccines

The use of attenuated classical swine fever virus (CSFV) strains as live vaccines is no longer allowed for the control of classical swine fever in Europe, due to the inability to differentiate between infected and vaccinated animals (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals; DIVA), except as emergency vaccines or as bait vaccines for wild boars. Thus, the establishment of a DIVA vaccine(s) is of pivotal importance for the control of this infectious disease. In this study, recombinant versions of the live-attenuated vaccine strain CSFV Riems were generated by replacing parts of the E2 gene with the corresponding sequence of border disease virus strain Gifhorn. Three cDNA clones were constructed: pRiems-ABC-Gif, pRiems-A-Gif and pRiems-BC-Gif. Infectious particles were obtained from clones pRiems-ABC-Gif and pRiems-BC-Gif only, whereas transfected RNA from clone pRiems-A-Gif behaved like a replicon. Based on its ability to be differentiated in vitro from wild-type CSFV by mAbs, vRiems-ABC-Gif was assessed for immunogenicity and protection against challenge infection in pigs. Before challenge, no CSFV-specific anti-E2 antibodies could be detected with commercial E2-blocking ELISAs in vRiems-ABC-Gif-vaccinated animals, whereas vRiems-vaccinated pigs developed high titres of anti-E2 antibodies, confirming the marker properties of this vaccine candidate. After oral vaccination, only partial protection against challenge infection was observed in the vRiems-ABC-Gif vaccinees, whereas all intramuscularly vaccinated animals and all vRiems-vaccinated animals were fully protected. These experiments suggest that the strategy of exchanging specific antigenic epitopes among pestiviruses is a promising tool for the development of new CSFV marker vaccines.

Mycoplasma contamination and viral immunomodulatory activity: dendritic cells open Pandora's box

During in vitro investigations on the interaction of classical swine fever virus (CSFV)--an immunosuppressive viral pathogen--with monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDC) a soluble factor with a strong anti-proliferative activity for T lymphocytes was found. This activity, with an inhibitory dilution 50% (ID(50)) of 10(3)-10(7), was induced after virus infection of monocytes differentiating into DC. UV--inactivation of the supernatants and blocking experiments with a monoclonal antibody against the E2 envelope protein of CSFV initially indicated a virus-dependency. However, further investigations including filtration and centrifugation experiments as well as antibiotic treatment demonstrated the involvement of mycoplasma. This was confirmed by a Hoechst 33258 staining, PCR and mycoplasma cultures--Mycoplasma hyorhinis was identified as the contaminant. Elucidation of a mycoplasma presence occurred under conditions in which the original virus stocks prepared in SK6 cells were negative for mycoplasma using the above tests. Moreover, conventional passage of the virus on the SK6 cells used for this purpose did not reveal any mycoplasma. It was the passage of virus in MoDC rather than SK6 cells that was required to expose the contamination. Three passages of the anti-proliferative supernatants on MoDC cultures increased the ID(50) 10(3)-fold; only when these MoDC-derived supernatants were employed was the mycoplasma contaminant also detectable on SK6 cells. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that regular testing of cell lines and virus stocks for mycoplasma does not necessarily identify their presence, and that application of passage in MoDC cultures could prove an aid for identifying initially undetectable levels of mycoplasma contamination.

Nonstructural proteins NS2-3 and NS4A of classical swine fever virus: essential features for infectious particle formation

The nonstructural protein NS2-3 of pestiviruses undergoes tightly regulated processing. For bovine viral diarrhea virus it was shown that uncleaved NS2-3 is required for infectious particle formation while cleaved NS3 is essential for genome replication. To further investigate the functions of NS2-3 and NS4A in the pestivirus life cycle, we established T7 RNA polymerase-dependent trans-complementation for p7-NS2-3-4A of classical swine fever virus (CSFV). Expression of NS2-3 and NS4A in trans restored the production of infectious particles from genomes lacking NS2-3 expression. Co-expression of cleaved NS4A was essential. None of the enzymatic activities harbored by NS2-3 were required for infectious particle formation. Importantly, expression of uncleavable NS2-3 together with NS4A rescued infectious particles from a genome lacking NS2, demonstrating that cleaved NS2 per se has no additional essential function. These data indicate that NS2-3 and NS3, each in association with NS4A, have independent functions in the CSFV life cycle.

Recombination and expression of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) structural protein E2 gene in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii chroloplasts

The expression of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) structural protein E2 in different vectors, which has been shown to carry critical epitopes, has been established. Here, we reported a Chlamydomonas reinhardtii chloroplast expression vector, P64E2, containing classical swine fever virus structural protein E2 gene, which was constructed and transferred to C. reinhardtii by biolistic bombardment method. The transformants were identified by PCR, Southern blotting, Western blotting after selecting on resistant media. ELISA quantification assay showed that the expressed E2 protein accumulated up to 1.5-2% of the total soluble protein. The results of the study on the immunological activity indicated that the protein E2 expressed in C. reinhardtii chloroplasts could elicit animal bodies to produce antibodies against protein E2.

Quadruple antigenic epitope peptide producing immune protection against classical swine fever virus

Research on epitope-based vaccines is a current focus in the development of new vaccines against classical swine fever virus (CSFV). The present study aimed to engineer a quadruple antigenic epitope peptide of the CSFV immunogen E2 glycoprotein by splice overlap extension (SOE) PCR, expressed in E. coli fused with glutathione S-transferase (GST), and named rGST-4E. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis showed that purified rGST-4E had an excellent immunoreactivity with swine anti-CSFV serum and rabbit anti-E2 serum. Animal vaccination trials showed that the rGST-4E was more immunogenic than mono-epitope peptide and was able to produce effective immune protection in rabbits against challenge with hog cholera lapinized virus, and in pigs against challenge with virulent CSFV. These data show that the recombinant repeated epitope peptide could be considered a potential epitope-based vaccine for prevention of the disease.

The protective immune response induced by B cell epitope of classical swine fever virus glycoprotein E2

Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) envelope glycoprotein E2 is a major protective immunogen responsible for eliciting neutralizing antibodies and conferring protective immunity against the virus. Based on the core sequence (TAVSPTTLR, 829-837 aa) of the B cell linear epitope of the CSFV E2 protein identified by Lin et al., two oligonucleotides MF and MR were synthesized and used to construct by PCR a gene cassette encoding a 15 amino acid polypeptide M (CTAVSPTTLRTEVVK), which spans 828-842 amino acids of E2. The gene cassette was fused in-frame to 3' terminal of glutathione S transferase gene (GST) of the prokaryotic expression vector pGEX-6p-1, resulting in the recombinant plasmid pGEX-M. After transformation into Escherichia coli BL21 a soluble fusion protein GST-M with expected size of 28 kDa was expressed after inducing with isopropyl-beta-d-thiogalactoside (IPTG). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis showed that the purified GST-M had good reactivity with swine anti-CSFV serum and rabbit anti-CSFV E2 serum. Further vaccination trials showed that the fusion protein GST-M could elicit effectively immune response protecting rabbits and pigs from virulent challenge. This study showed a possibility for developing epitope-based vaccines against CSFV.

Role of double-stranded RNA and Npro of classical swine fever virus in the activation of monocyte-derived dendritic cells

Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) is a noncytopathogenic (ncp) positive-sense RNA virus that replicates in myeloid cells including macrophages and dendritic cells (DC). The virus does not induce type I interferon (IFN-alpha/beta), which in macrophages has been related to the presence of the viral Npro gene. In the present work, the role of viral double-stranded (ds)RNA and Npro in the virus-host cell interaction has been analyzed. Higher levels of detectable dsRNA were produced by a genetically engineered cytopathogenic (cp) CSFV compared with ncp CSFV, and cp CSFV induced IFN-alpha/beta in PK-15 cells. With DC, there was only a small difference in the levels of dsRNA between the cp and ncp viruses, and no IFN-alpha/beta was produced. However, the cp virus induced a higher degree of DC maturation, in terms of CD80/86 and MHC II expression. Npro deletion mutants induced an increase in DC maturation and IFN-alpha/beta production-for both ncp and cp viruses-despite reduced replication efficiency in the DC. Deletion of Npro did not influence dsRNA levels, indicating that the interference was downstream of dsRNA turnover regulation. In conclusion, the capacity of CSFV to replicate in myeloid DC, and prevent IFN-alpha/beta induction and DC maturation, requires both regulated dsRNA levels and the presence of viral Npro.

N(pro) of classical swine fever virus is an antagonist of double-stranded RNA-mediated apoptosis and IFN-alpha/beta induction

Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) protects cells from double-stranded (ds) RNA-mediated apoptosis and IFN-alpha/beta induction. This phenotype is lost when CSFV lacks N(pro) (DeltaN(pro) CSFV). In the present study, we demonstrate that N(pro) counteracts dsRNA-mediated apoptosis and IFN-alpha/beta induction independently of other CSFV elements. For this purpose, we generated porcine SK-6 and PK-15 cell lines constitutively expressing N(pro) fused to the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). The survival of the SK6-EGFP-N(pro) cell line after polyinosinic polycytidylic acid [poly(IC)] treatment was comparable to that of CSFV-infected SK-6 cells and was significantly higher than the survival of the parent cell line. In PK-15 cells, the presence of EGFP-N(pro) prevented the DeltaN(pro) CSFV- and poly(IC)-mediated IFN-alpha/beta production. Importantly, N(pro) also inhibited IFN-alpha and IFN-beta promoter-driven luciferase expression in human cells and blocked IFN-alpha/beta induction mediated by Newcastle disease virus. This establishes a novel function for N(pro) in counteraction of the IFN-alpha/beta induction pathway.

Identification of classical swine fever virus protein E2 as a target for cytotoxic T cells by using mRNA-transfected antigen-presenting cells

Vaccination of pigs against Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) by using live-virus vaccines induces early protection before detectable humoral immune responses. Immunological analyses indicate that this is associated with T-cell activation, underlining the importance of targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses for vaccine improvement. Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) transfected with mRNA encoding structural protein E2 or non-structural viral proteins NS3-NS4A were used to identify viral genes encoding CTL epitopes. Monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) and fibrocytes served as the APCs. In vitro translation of the mRNA and microscopic analysis of transfected cells demonstrated that E2 and NS3-NS4A could be identified. APCs transfected with either of the mRNA molecules restimulated CSFV-specific T cells to produce gamma interferon and specific cytotoxic activity against CSFV-infected target cells. The presence of CTL epitopes on E2 was confirmed by using d/d-haplotype MAX cells expressing E2 constitutively as target cells in d/d-haplotype CTL assays. A potent CTL activity against E2 was detected early (1-3 weeks) after CSFV challenge. This work corroborates the existence of CTL epitopes within the non-structural protein domain NS3-NS4A of CSFV. Furthermore, epitopes on the E2 protein can also now be classified as targets for CTLs, having important implications for vaccine design, especially subunit vaccines. As for the use of mRNA-transfected APCs, this represents a simple and efficient method to identify viral genes encoding CTL epitopes in outbred populations.

Oronasal vaccination with classical swine fever virus (CSFV) replicon particles with either partial or complete deletion of the E2 gene induces partial protection against lethal challenge with highly virulent CSFV

A cDNA clone of the classical swine fever virus (CSFV) strain Alfort/187 [Ruggli N, Tratschin JD, Mittelholzer C, Hofmann MA. Nucleotide sequence of classical swine fever virus strain Alfort/187 and transcription of infectious RNA from stably cloned full-length cDNA. J Virol 1996;70(6):3478-87] was used to construct two E2 deletion mutants lacking either the complete E2 gene or, alternatively, a stretch of 204 nucleotides encoding 68 amino acids located in the C-terminal region of the E2 glycoprotein. The respective in vitro synthesized mutant RNAs replicated in SK-6 cells but no infectious virus was generated. Both replicons could be packaged into virus particles in SK-6 cells constitutively expressing E2 of CSFV. For the resulting CSF virus replicon particles (CSF-VRP) A187-E2del373 and A187-E2del68 titers of 10(6) and 10(7) TCID(50)/ml, respectively, were obtained. Oronasal vaccination with 10(7) TCID(50) of either of the two CSF-VRP protected pigs against a challenge with a lethal dose of CSFV strain Eystrup. In contrast, after intradermal vaccination VRP A187-E2del68 but not VRP A187-E2del373 lacking the complete E2 gene induced a protective immune response. We conclude that E2-complemented CSF-VRP have the potential to be used as live-attenuated non-transmissible oral vaccines for pigs. In addition, our data suggest that E2 of CSFV is dispensable for the induction of mucosal but not of parenteral immunity.

Characterization of classical swine fever virus entry by using pseudotyped viruses: E1 and E2 are sufficient to mediate viral entry

Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) is the causative agent of classical swine fever. Its envelope comprises glycoproteins E(rns), E1, and E2. In this study, we showed that the unmodified CSFV glycoproteins could incorporate into the HIV core to generate an infectious CSFV pseudotyped virus. The infection was specific to several porcine cell lines, and could be neutralized by anti-E2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) completely and by anti-E(rns) mAbs partially, indicating that this pseudotyped virus can mimic the early infection steps of parental CSFV. To investigate the specific role of each envelope protein involved in viral entry, a series of pseudotyped viruses were generated bearing CSFV glycoproteins in various combinations. It was found that specific infectivity was also achieved with non-E(rns) pseudotyped virus carrying E1 and E2 glycoproteins. This indicated that E1 and E2 are sufficient to mediate CSFV entry, and E(rns) is not indispensable in this process.

Fibrocytes are potent stimulators of anti-virus cytotoxic T cells

Fibrocytes (Fb) are a population of circulating leukocytes reported to be capable of presenting antigen to CD4(+) T lymphocytes. In contrast, no information is available about their capacity to stimulate CD8(+) cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. To this end, Fb were isolated from porcine blood to investigate their ability to stimulate CTL responses using a classical swine fever virus model. The isolated Fb (referred to as primary Fb) displayed the phenotype previously reported for mouse and human Fb, particularly in terms of the surface proteins necessary for antigen presentation, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) classes I and II, and CD80/86. These primary Fb endocytosed and degraded antigen efficiently. In absence of exogenous stimuli, endocytosis and MHC II expression were lost when the Fb were passaged and cultured. Treatment of such secondary Fb with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) restored the MHC II expression. The primary and secondary Fb were capable of stimulating antigen-specific CD4(+) T lymphocytes relating to previous reports. In addition, an efficient stimulation of virus-specific CD8(+)CTL was measured in terms of CD8(+) T cell proliferation, IFN-gamma production, and cytotoxic activity. This was noted even at low Fb/T lymphocyte ratios, at which dendritic cells were less efficient. Although IFN-gamma pretreatment of Fb was not necessary for this function, it could enhance the Fb activity. These results demonstrate that Fb are efficient, accessory cells for the presentation of viral antigen to specific CD8(+) CTL.

Interaction of classical swine fever virus with dendritic cells

Functional disruption of dendritic cells (DCs) is an important strategy for viral pathogens to evade host defences. Monocytotropic viruses such as classical swine fever virus (CSFV) could employ such a mechanism, since the virus can suppress immune responses and induce apoptosis without infecting lymphocytes. Here, CSFV was shown to infect and efficiently replicate in monocyte- and in bone marrow-derived DCs. Interestingly, the infected DCs displayed neither modulated MHC nor CD80/86 expression. Stimulation of DCs with IFN-α/TNF-α or polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid (pIC) induced phenotypic maturation with increased MHC and CD80/86 expression, both with mock-treated and infected DCs. In addition, the T cell stimulatory capacity of CSFV-infected DCs was maintained both in a polyclonal T cell stimulation and in specific antigen-presentation assays, requiring antigen uptake and processing. Interestingly, similar to macrophages, CSFV did not induce IFN-α responses in these DCs and even suppressed pIC-induced IFN-α induction. Other cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-12 and TNF-α were not modulated. Taken together, these results demonstrated that CSFV can replicate in DCs and control IFN type I responses, without interfering with the immune reactivity. These results are interesting considering that DC infection with RNA viruses usually results in DC activation.

Establishment and characterisation of two cDNA-derived strains of classical swine fever virus, one highly virulent and one avirulent

The virulence of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) strains including established laboratory strains as well as field isolates ranges from avirulent to highly virulent. Here, we describe the construction and characterisation of two cDNA-derived CSFV strains, each corresponding to one of these extremes. The recombinant virus vEy-37 caused acute disease indistinguishable from that provoked by infection with the highly virulent parent strain Eystrup. In contrast, vRiems-3, a molecular clone of the CSFV vaccine strain Riems, was avirulent and induced protective immunity in pigs. After repeated passage of vEy-37 in porcine kidney SK-6 cells adaptive mutations in the E(rns) gene were observed. The respective reconstructed mutant virus grew to titres that were almost 4log units higher when compared to vEy-37. The mutation in the E(rns) gene had only a minor effect on the virulence of the virus. The complete genomic sequences of the two CSFV strains, Eystrup and Riems, have been deposited in GenBank (accession number AF326963 for CSFV Eystrup, AY259122 for CSFV Riems/IVI).

Attenuation of classical swine fever virus by deletion of the viral N(pro) gene

We have reported earlier that replacement of the N(pro) gene of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) by the murine ubiquitin gene only slightly affects the characteristics of virus replication in the porcine kidney cell line SK-6 [J. Virol. 72 (1998) 7681]. Here, for the moderately virulent CSFV strain Alfort/187 as well as for the highly virulent strain Eystrup we show that the respective N(pro)-deleted viruses are attenuated. Vaccination of pigs with either of the two deletion mutants resulted in the induction of a strong antibody response. Animals were protected against challenge with a lethal dose of highly virulent CSFV indicating that N(pro) deletion mutants are excellent candidates for a modified live virus vaccine. A chimeric virus obtained by replacement of the N(pro) gene in the Eystrup virus by the corresponding sequence of the avirulent CSFV vaccine strain Riems resulted in a virus that was highly virulent. This indicates that the virulence of CSFV correlates with the presence of N(pro) and also suggests that N(pro) is not responsible for the varying virulence observed between individual strains of CSFV.

Construction of an infectious chimeric classical swine fever virus containing the 5′UTR of bovine viral diarrhea virus, and its application as a universal internal positive control in real-time RT-PCR

RT-PCR is used widely as a diagnostic method to detect and differentiate pestiviruses. The construction of two chimeric classical swine fever virus (CSFV) recombinants based on a marker virus constructed previously [J. Virol. 72 (1998) 5318-5322] is described. These viruses, termed vA187CAT_5UTRBVD and vA187CAT_IRESBVD, contain the entire 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) or the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), respectively. Both chimeric viruses proved to be infectious in cell culture. Hence, the 5'UTR as well as the IRES element only of BVDV can substitute for the corresponding genome region of CSFV. Next, two sets of primers and corresponding dual-labeled TaqMan probes were designed; one detecting specifically a conserved but CSFV-specific area within the 5'UTR of wild-type CSFV, the other one targeting the CAT gene inserted in vA187CAT_5UTRBVD. The two primer/probe sets were combined in a closed-tube multiplex one-step RT-PCR. To monitor the entire extraction and detection process limited amounts of vA187CAT_5UTRBVD were added directly to clinical samples before RNA extraction. The multiplex RT-PCR proved to be as sensitive as the single primer/probe set method, but allowed the validation of each sample tested individually, based on the detection of the CAT marker gene. vA187CAT_5UTRBVD was also used successfully for foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) TaqMan RT-PCR. Therefore, it is considered a universal internal positive control for RT-PCR assays to exclude loss of RNA during extraction, or failure of amplification due to inhibitory substances present in the sample.

Classical swine fever virus interferes with cellular antiviral defense: evidence for a novel function of N(pro)

Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) replicates efficiently in cell lines and monocytic cells, including macrophages (MPhi), without causing a cytopathic effect or inducing interferon (IFN) secretion. In the present study, the capacity of CSFV to interfere with cellular antiviral activity was investigated. When the porcine kidney cell line SK-6 was infected with CSFV, there was a 100-fold increased capacity to resist to apoptosis induced by polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(IC)], a synthetic double-stranded RNA. In MPhi, the virus infection inhibited poly(IC)-induced alpha/beta IFN (type I IFN) synthesis. This interference with cellular antiviral defense correlated with the presence of the viral N(pro) gene. Mutants lacking the N(pro) gene (DeltaN(pro) CSFV) did not protect SK-6 cells from poly(IC)-induced apoptosis, despite growth properties and protein expression levels similar to those of the wild-type virus. Furthermore, DeltaN(pro) CSFV did not prevent poly(IC)-induced type I IFN production in MPhi but rather induced type I IFN in the absence of poly(IC) in both MPhi and the porcine kidney cell line PK-15, but not in SK-6 cells. With MPhi and PK-15, an impaired replication of the DeltaN(pro) CSFV compared with wild-type virus was noted. In addition, DeltaN(pro) CSFV, but not wild-type CSFV, could interfere with vesicular stomatitis virus replication in PK-15 cells. Taken together, these results provide evidence for a novel function associated with CSFV N(pro) with respect to the inhibition of the cellular innate immune system.

Clinical signs and epidemiology of classical swine fever: a review of new knowledge

Although classical swine fever (CSF) has been well known for decades and epidemics still occur, clinical diagnosis continues to cause problems for veterinary practitioners. This is due to the extensive differential diagnosis, further complicated by the emergence of new diseases such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS). In addition, acute, chronic and prenatal courses of CSF have to be distinguished. As a cause of considerable economical losses within the EU, control of CSF requires knowledge of the primary outbreaks and spread of the disease. Genetic typing of CSF virus isolates has proved to be a potent method of supporting epidemiological investigations. Phylogenetic analysis of CSF virus strains and isolates originating from different continents has allowed three genetic groups and several subgroups within these groups to be distinguished. Whereas isolates belonging to group 3 seem to occur solely in Asia, all CSF virus isolates of the 1990s isolated in the EU belonged to one of the subgroups within group 2 (2.1, 2.2, or 2.3) and were clearly distinct from former CSF reference viruses, which belong to group 1. Within the EU, different strategies are followed for the eradication of CSF in domestic pigs and in wild boar. While a strict non-vaccination policy is followed for domestic pigs, eradication of the disease in wild boar is more complex, and oral immunisation together with special hunting strategies have been applied. Recently, marker vaccines with a companion discriminatory test designed to allow differentiation between vaccinated animals and animals having recovered from field virus infection have been developed. Preliminary studies indicated that the discriminatory tests had a reduced sensitivity and specificity. Further improvements are therefore necessary before marker vaccines can be considered for emergency use in EU Member States. Prevention of CSF remains the main objective within the EU.

Establishment and application of bicistronic classical swine fever virus genomes for foreign gene expression and complementation of E2 deletion mutants

Bicistronic genomes of the classical swine fever virus (CSFV) strain Alfort/187 (A187) were established by insertion of a second cistron consisting of an internal ribosome entry site of the encephalomyocarditis virus and a coding sequence in the 3' untranslated region of the genome. Introduction of the selectable marker gene for neomycin phosphotransferase into the second cistron of the CSFV replicon A187 Delta E2-CAT allowed the establishment of porcine SK-6 cell lines constitutively expressing the respective bicistronic replicon RNA. In cells transfected with RNA representing the full-length viral genome and containing the gene coding for bacterial enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) in the second cistron infectious bicistronic virus was synthesized. Expression of EGFP in cells infected with this virus indicated the potential of CSFV as a viral vector. Finally, after insertion of the sequence encoding the signal peptide of the CSFV E2 protein followed either by the E2 or the E2-p7 sequence into the replicon A187 Delta E2 which carries an in frame deletion of 465 nucleotides in the E2 gene, infectious viruses vA187 Delta E2-IRES-sigE2 and vA187 Delta E2-IRES-sigE2p7, respectively, were obtained. This shows that E2 deletion mutants can be complemented by expression of E2 from a separate cistron.

Epidemiology and control of an outbreak of classical swine fever in wild boar in Switzerland

An outbreak of classical swine fever in wild boar in the southern part of Switzerland (Canton of Ticino) was investigated after the implementation of control measures in a defined infected area (the risk zone), and in a surrounding surveillance zone (the non-risk zone). After the disease had been detected, hunting was not allowed in the risk zone for over six months, during which the disease was left to run its course, but hunting was continued in the non-risk zone for one month. After seven months, a hunting strategy targeted at young animals was implemented in both zones. Between May 1998 and January 2000,1294 wild boar were shot or found dead, and diagnostic and biological data were collected and analysed. Only one animal from the non-risk zone was found to be seropositive for antibodies to the virus, whereas 179 of 528 wild boar from the risk zone were virus positive and 162 were seropositive. The proportion of virus-positive animals decreased from 62.7 per cent to zero over one year. During the first hunting season, seropositive animals were found in all age groups, but 12 months later only animals more than one year old had antibodies against the virus.

Induction of apoptosis in bone marrow neutrophil-lineage cells by classical swine fever virus

The pathogenesis of bone marrow atrophy during classical swine fever (CSF) was investigated in vitro by using CSF virus (CSFV) infection of bone marrow haematopoietic cells (BMHC). The monocytic lineage had the highest susceptibility to CSFV infection, whereas the more mature SWC8+ granulocytic cells were not directly susceptible to infection. However, myelomonocytic precursors were targets for CSFV infection and continued to differentiate into SWC8+ granulocytic cells, which remained infected. This explains the occurrence of infected peripheral blood granulocytes during CSF. The infection of BMHC resulted in increased apoptosis and necrosis, mainly within the granulocytic lineage. Caspases 3 and 9 were particularly activated, relating to the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. Interestingly, the majority of infected cells were non-apoptotic, the apoptotic cells being primarily non-infected. This indicated an indirect mechanism for induction of apoptosis, but no role could be identified for bone marrow stroma cells such as macrophages or fibroblastoid cells. Furthermore, soluble factors including cytokines and reactive oxygen species were not primarily responsible. In contrast, contact between infected and non-infected BMHC was critical for increasing apoptosis in the latter. Taken together, these results in vitro relate to and help to explain further the apoptosis of BMHC that occurs in vivo during CSF. This experimental system will also be particularly useful for the study of CSFV gene products involved in leukocyte apoptosis.

Depletion of CD4(+) and CD8(high+) T-cells before the onset of viraemia during classical swine fever

Leukopenia, in particular lymphopenia, is a characteristic early event during classical swine fever (CSF). This was the case in both highly virulent (CSF virus (CSFV) strain Brescia) and moderately virulent (CSFV Uelzen) infections. The leukopenia involved leukocyte sub-populations in a disparate manner, with B-lymphocytes, helper T-cells and cytotoxic T-cells being the most affected. Depletion of lymphocyte sub-populations occurred 1-4 days before virus could be detected by RT-PCR in the serum. With the virulent Brescia virus, depletion was evident by 2 days post-infection (p.i.) but not until 3 days p.i. with an equivalent dose of the low virulent Uelzen strain. A lower (1000-fold) dose of the latter virus delayed these kinetics. gammadelta-TCR(+) T-cells were also reduced, but more so with the virulent Brescia infection. The final level of B-and alphabeta-T-cell lymphopenia was similar for all animals, including those infected with the lower virus dose. AnnexinV staining revealed that cell viability was clearly diminished, particularly interesting, considering the clinical differences between infections by Brescia and Uelzen viruses. It was the time p.i. and rate of appearance of dying cells which was more rapid in the virulent Brescia infections. Interestingly, the repeated blood sampling resulted in depletion of some leukocyte populations also in non-infected control animals. Particularly neutrophils and NK cells, and to a lower extent CD4(+), CD8(+) T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes were affected. Taken together, the data show that the alphabeta-T-lymphocyte subsets are particularly susceptible to modulation during the acute phase of CSF, being detectable before the onset of viraemia. The pathogenic mechanism therein would involve indirect virus-host interactions, probably originating from the site of primary infection, rather than a direct effect of the virus or viral protein. Furthermore, these characteristics offer an explanation for the retardation of the cellular and humoral immune response observed during classical swine fever.

Pathogenesis of granulocytopenia and bone marrow atrophy during classical swine fever involves apoptosis and necrosis of uninfected cells

Granulocytopenia, a hematological hallmark of classical swine fever, is partially responsible for the suppression of innate immune defenses during classical swine fever. The present report demonstrates that this depletion was apparent as early as 3 days postinfection (p.i.). Both mature peripheral and bone marrow neutrophils were affected, whereas immature neutrophils increased absolutely in the periphery and coincidentally immature myeloid progenitors in the bone marrow. These data suggest that a pathogenic relationship exists between these compartments. The central event was not the arrest of hematopoietic cell proliferation or of the mobilization process, but instead apoptosis and possibly also necrosis were shown to play a role. This increase in apoptotic and dead cells was detected as early as 1-3 days p.i. In contrast, viral RNA in bone marrow hematopoietic cells (BMHC) was first detected 5 days p.i., and significant amounts of infected BMHC were detected only 7 days p.i., with the major target being the myeloid compartment. The increased caspase-3 activity observed supported a role for apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, the elevated caspase-9 activity indicated the involvement of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Taken together, the results demonstrate that granulocytopenia and bone marrow atrophy are mediated by hematopoietic cell death and that indirect virus-host-mediated mechanisms are likely to be responsible.

Cytopathogenic and noncytopathogenic RNA replicons of classical swine fever virus

To determine the minimal requirements for autonomous RNA replication of classical swine fever virus (CSFV), genomes having in-frame deletions within the genes for structural and flanking nonstructural proteins were constructed, based on an infectious cDNA clone of CSFV Alfort/187. RNA was transcribed in vitro from the respective plasmids and transfected into SK-6 swine kidney cells. The replication competence of the RNA was determined by immunostaining transfected cells for CSFV NS3 protein and by analysis of cell extracts for viral RNA, as well as protein synthesis at different times after transfection. The genes encoding N(pro), C, E(rns), E1, E2, p7, and NS2 proved to be dispensable for RNA replication, but the efficiency of replication varied strongly between individual constructs. RNA replicons containing the complete NS2-NS3 gene persisted in transfected cells and continued to replicate without causing any obvious morphological or functional damage to the cells, whereas genomes lacking the NS2 gene replicated more efficiently and induced a cytopathic effect. These findings suggest that NS2, although it is not essential for pestivirus RNA replication, has a regulatory function therein. Both cytopathogenic and noncytopathogenic replicons were packaged into virus particles provided in trans by a cotransfected full-length helper virus genome.

Immunopathogenesis of classical swine fever: role of monocytic cells

Virulent classical swine fever (CSF) represents an immunomodulatory viral infection that perturbs immune functions. Circulatory and immunopathological disorders include leukopenia, immunosuppression and haemorrhage. Monocytic cells - targets for CSF virus (CSFV) infection - could play critical roles in the immunopathology, owing to their production of immunomodulatory and vasoactive factors. Monocytes and macrophages (Mphi) are susceptible to virus infection, as a consequence of which prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production is enhanced. The presence of PGE2 in serum from CSFV-infected pigs correlated with elevated PGE2 productivity by the peripheral blood mononuclear cells from these same animals. It was noted that these PGE2-containing preparations did not inhibit, but actually enhanced, lymphocyte proliferation. The proinflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin (IL)-6 were not involved, although elevated IL-1 production could relate to lymphocyte activation. Nevertheless, IL-1 was not the sole element: infected Mphi produced lympho-stimulatory activity but little IL-1. This release of immunomodulatory factors, following CSFV infection of monocytic cells, was compared with other characteristics of the disease. Therein, PGE2 and IL-1 production was noted to coincide with the onset of fever and the coagulation disorders typical of CSF. Consequently, these factors are of greater relevance to the haemorrhagic disturbances, such as petechia and infarction, rather than the leukopenia found in CSF.

Rapid and sensitive detection of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibodies against canine distemper virus by a new recombinant nucleocapsid protein-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Canine distemper morbillivirus (CDV) infection causes a frequently fatal systemic disease in a broad range of carnivore species, including domestic dogs. In CDV infection, classical serology provides data of diagnostic and prognostic values (kinetics of seroconversion) and is also used to predict the optimal vaccination age of pups. Routine CDV serology is still based on time- and cost-intensive virus neutralization assays (V-NA). Here, we describe a new capture-sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that uses recombinant baculovirus-expressed nucleocapsid (N) protein of a recent CDV wild-type isolate (2544/Han95) for the detection of CDV-specific antibodies in canine sera. Recombinant antigen was produced with high efficacy in Heliothis virescens larvae. The capture-sandwich ELISA enabled a clear-cut qualitative evaluation of the CDV-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM serostatuses of 196 and 35 dog sera, respectively. Inter-rater agreement analysis (kappa = 0.988) indicated that the ELISA can be used unrestrictedly as a substitute for the V-NA for the qualitative determination of CDV-specific IgG serostatus. In an attempt to semiquantify N-specific antibodies, a one-step-dilution (alpha method) IgG-specific ELISA was implemented. Alpha values of >/=50% showed very good inter-rater agreement (kappa = 0.968) with V-NA titers of >/=1/100 50% neutralizing dose (ND50) as measured against the central European CDV wild-type isolate 2544/Han95 in canine sera originating from northern Germany. An ND50 titer of 1/100 is considered a threshold, and titers of >/=1/100 indicate a resilient, protective immunity. CDV N-specific antibodies of the IgM class were detected by the newly developed ELISA in 9 of 15 sera obtained from dogs with symptoms of acute distemper. In leucocytes of 5 of the 15 dogs (all of which were also IgM positive) CDV RNA was detected by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. The recombinant capture-sandwich ELISA detecting N-specific antibodies of the IgG class provided superior sensitivity and specificity and thus represents a rapid and cost-effective alternative to classical CDV V-NA. By detection of specific IgM antibodies, the ELISA will be complementary to RT-PCR and V-NA in the diagnosis of acute distemper infections.

Comparative detection of classical swine fever virus in striated muscle from experimentally infected pigs by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, cell culture isolation and immunohistochemistry

Classical swine fever (CSF) is a highly contagious viral disease, which can be transmitted by CSFV-contaminated swill. In 1993, four CSF outbreaks in Switzerland were caused presumably by feeding pigs with improperly heated swill. The aim of the investigations was to find a suitable method for CSFV detection in striated muscle samples of infected pigs in order to allow routine testing of meat for virus contamination. The sensitivity of virus detection in striated muscle was compared with the detection in target organs. Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), cell culture isolation and immunohistochemistry on samples from 14 experimentally infected pigs, CSFV was detected in target organs of ten, and in striated muscle of six pigs, respectively. Overall, only 58% of muscle samples from CSFV-positive animals were positive by RT-PCR and 40% by virus isolation in cell culture, whereas the virus was detected in target organs of these pigs. Virus detection from striated muscle was primarily successful in severely diseased animals infected with highly virulent CSFV strains. It is concluded that striated muscle is not suitable for sensitive CSFV detection, and additional organs have to be examined for reliable diagnosis.

A recombinant classical swine fever virus stably expresses a marker gene

The gene coding for bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) was inserted in frame into the viral Npro gene of the full-length cDNA clone pA187-1 of the classical swine fever virus (CSFV) strain Alfort/187. RNA transcribed in vitro from the resulting plasmid was transfected into SK-6 porcine kidney cells. Infectious progeny virus vA187-CAT recovered from transfected cells had growth characteristics indistinguishable from those of parental virus vA187-1. In cells infected with vA187-CAT the predicted fusion protein, CAT-Npro, was detected, and it retained the enzymatic activities of both CAT and Npro. The CAT gene remained stably inserted in the viral genome after 10 virus passages. Thus, marker virus vA187-CAT represents a useful tool for quantitative analysis of viral replication and gene expression.

Low density blood granulocytic cells induced during classical swine fever are targets for virus infection

Classical swine fever virus infection of pigs causes a severe leukopenia and immunosuppression. In the present study, the kinetics of virus infection, and identification of target cells for the virus in peripheral blood were analysed. Virus infection was often not detectable before 5-7 days p.i. A minority of animals yielded detectable infected cells at 3 days p.i., but < 5% PBMC. It was not until 10 days p.i. that this figure increased-to 35-70% PBMC depending on the animal. Detailed analysis of Ficoll-Hypaque-purified PBMC identified the major population to be SWC3+SWC8+CD14+MHCII- granulocytic cells. Microscopic observations determined that these low density granulocytic cells in the PBMC from CSFV infected animals were indeed immature cells. Both the low density granulocytic cells and monocytes were major targets for CSFV infection in the peripheral blood. This is the first demonstration that low density granulocytic cells dominate the blood leukocyte population during CSF, and that such cells are targets for virus infection. The present work also demonstrates that the leukocyte population changes, such as B lymphocyte depletion and the relative dominance of myeloid cells in the blood during CSF, occur before virus infection of the affected cells. Thus, the pathological mechanism therein is not a direct consequence of virus infection.