Molecular biology of bovine viral diarrhea virus and its interactions with the host

Immunological responses against bovine viral diarrhoea virus types 1 and 2 after administration of a commercial subunit vaccine measured by ELISA and serum neutralisation on serum and milk samples

Background

Our study evaluated the antibody responses against bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV)-1 and BVDV-2 generated by a novel subunit vaccine comprising BVDV-1 E2 and BVDV-2 E2 recombinant glycoproteins.

Methods

Two trials were conducted. Cattle were given four intramuscular doses (D0, D21, D204 and D570) of 2 mL of vaccine (vaccinated) or phosphate-buffered saline (control). In the first trial, 20 young calves were randomly distributed into the vaccinated or control group. Blood samples were collected to assess BVDV antibodies by ELISA and neutralisation. In the second trial, heifers and cows from three farms were assigned to the vaccinated and control groups. Individual blood samples, bulk tank milk (BTM) and individual milk samples were obtained. The antibody response against BVDV was analysed using different ELISA kits. Neutralising antibodies against different BVDV isolates from Europe and North and South America were also assessed in this trial.

Results

Compared with the control group, the vaccine induced significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels of antibodies against BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 from 21 days after the second dose until the end of the study. In the second trial, high levels of total antibodies against BVDV were observed, with no induction of anti-p80 antibodies observed in vaccinated animals or in individual samples (milk and sera) or BTM samples. High levels of neutralising antibodies were observed against different BVDV isolates from Europe and America.

Conclusions

The vaccine induced a strong antibody response against BVDV-1 and BVDV-2; this response allowed infected and vaccinated animals to be differentiated (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals (DIVA) vaccine).

Emergence of a novel porcine pestivirus with potential for cross-species transmission in China, 2023

Pestiviruses, RNA viruses belonging to the Flaviviridae family, have a broad host range. Their pathogenicity varies greatly and they have caused significant economic losses in animal husbandry. In this study, a novel pestivirus, porcine abortion-associated pestivirus (PAAPeV), was isolated from pigs in China in 2023. Clinically, PAAPeV causes abortions in sows and leads to congenital tremors and death in piglets. PAAPeV replicates efficiently in ST cells. Morphologically, PAAPeV virions are spherical particles with a diameter of approximately 80 nm. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that PAAPeV is closely related to Wenzhou Pipistrellus abramus pestivirus and clusters into a distinct branch, suggesting that it represents a new species: Pestivirus chinensis. Animal experiments demonstrated that PAAPeV-infected piglets and mice exhibit significant histopathological changes. In piglets, histopathological examination revealed myocarditis, hepatitis, glial vacuolation and cerebrovascular inflammation. In mice, findings included hepatic monocyte aggregation, glomerular atrophy, pulmonary edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and capillary dilation. Viremia has been detected in both piglets and mice, with high viral genome loads found in various organs. In vitro results revealed that PAAPeV replicates in ST cells and, to a lesser extent, in human (A549 and HepG2) and monkey (Vero) cells. Overall, PAAPeV infects both pigs and mice and has the potential to infect other mammals, indicating its ability for cross-species transmission. This poses significant risks to the pig industry and public health. Strengthening monitoring and prevention efforts for PAAPeV is crucial. Our findings greatly increase the understanding of pestivirus diversity and its broader pathogen spectrum.

[Report of a field control experience of bovine viral diarrhea virus in 2 dairy farms of Argentina applying management, diagnostic, and vaccination tools]

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) causes significant economic losses in the international livestock industry and in Argentina, where it circulates at high prevalence. Under high prevalence conditions, BVDV infections are controlled through vaccination once persistently infected animals are identified and segregated. This study evaluated the feasibility of controlling BVDV circulation under field conditions by combining diagnosis, management measures, and vaccination in 2 dairy farms in the province of Santa Fe. Commercial ELISAs were used for the detection of the NS3 (P80) protein or antibodies against this protein as well as an RT-nested PCR for the detection of the viral genome, and viral seroneutralization to assess vaccine efficacy. The average seroprevalence of the farms was 58.4%, with a persistently infected animal rate of 2.4%. After segregating the persistently infected animals and vaccinating them with a commercial combined vaccine containing inactivated BVDV, abortion rates significantly decreased (p<0.05) in farm 1 (from 20.5 to 11.6%) and in farm 2 (from 34 to 23.4%) during the second year of the control strategy. Conception rates increased from 29 to 33% in farm 1 during the first year, while in farm 2, the increase was 7 points during the second year. This methodology achieved conditions in which BVDV ceased to circulate, constituting the first controlled report on BVDV management in dairy farms using tools available to producers in Argentina.

Efficacy of Vaccination with the DIVENCE® Vaccine Against Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Types 1 and 2 in Terms of Fetal Protection

Purpose

To demonstrate the efficacy of DIVENCE®, a vaccine against BVDV types 1 and 2 (BVDV-1 and BVDV-2) transplacental infection, following a booster regimen in heifers.

Materials and Methods

Calves of two-to-three months of age were given two intramuscular doses three weeks apart and a booster vaccine six months later. Efficacy was evaluated by means of a challenge with virulent BVDV-1 or BVDV-2 administered via the intranasal route at 85 days of gestation. Clinical signs, serology, viral shedding, WBC count and viremia were monitored after the challenge. Sixty-six days post-challenge, the fetuses were assessed for BVDV to detect transplacental infection.

Results

Vaccinated animals showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in hyperthermia after both challenges. The WBC counts in vaccinated animals were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in control animals on Days 5 and 6 after both challenges. Vaccinated animals exhibited no shedding after BVDV-1 challenge and the percentage of shedding animals was significantly (p < 0.05) higher among control animals compared to vaccinated animals after BVDV-2 challenge. Viremia were detected in pregnant heifers from all control animals, while only 3/14 and 3/17 pregnant vaccinated heifers showed viremia after BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 challenges, respectively. All the fetuses (n=8) from the control animals were positive for BVDV-1 via virus titration after BVDV-1 challenge. Only one out of fourteen fetuses from the vaccinated animals was positive for BVDV-1. After BVDV-2 challenge, all the control animals had BVDV-2 in all fetal tissues assessed and only one of the seventeen vaccinated animals had BVDV-2 in its fetal samples.

Conclusion

DIVENCE® administered prior to breeding protected 94% of the fetuses against BVDV transplacental infection overall across both challenge trials (BVDV-1 and BVDV-2). A reduction in the hyperthermia, leukopenia, viral shedding, and viremia in vaccinated animals post-challenge with BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 was achieved. The efficacy of DIVENCE® against BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 transplacental infection has been demonstrated in this study.

Development of an indirect ELISA for the serologic detection of bovine viral diarrhea virus based on E2 antigen sub-genotypes 1b, 1e, and 1d

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) causes ongoing economic losses to cattle industries, directly through reduced herd performance or indirectly through control program costs. ELISA assays, one of the most widely used techniques due to their ease of implementation, have been a valuable tool for mass surveillance and detection of BVDV. In this study, we developed a new indirect ELISA (rE2-ELISA) for serologic detection of BVDV. The assay considers three recombinant E2 protein subtypes as antigens, allowing serologic diagnosis of BVDV-1b (high prevalence worldwide), BVDV-1d and 1e (high prevalence in southern Chile) sub-genotypes. Recombinant E2 (rE2) proteins were successfully expressed in stably transfected CHO cells. Conditions for rE2 ELISAs were established after determining appropriate concentrations of antigen, blocking agent, secondary antibody, and serum dilutions to achieve maximum discrimination between positive and negative serum samples. The developed rE2-ELISA showed a sensitivity of 92.86% and a specificity of 98.33%. Clinical testing of 180 serum samples from herds in southern Chile showed high accuracy (kappa > 0.8) compared to the commercial BVDV Total Ab kit (IDEXX), with 95.37% positive and 87.5% negative predictive value. In addition, the rE2 ELISA has shown the capability to detect anti-BVDV antibodies from naturally infected animals with sub-genotypes 1b, 1e, or undetermined. These results indicate that the developed indirect ELISA could serve as a valid, and efficient alternative for identifying BVDV-infected animals, thus contributing to the success of disease control and eradication programs.

Development and evaluation of a monoclonal antibody-based blocking ELISA to detect antibodies against the E2 protein of bovine viral diarrhea virus-1

With the rapid development of cattle industry, bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is becoming widespread in China, which causes serious economic losses to the industry. Effective vaccination and viral surveillance are critical for the prevent and control of BVDV infection. In the present study, the immunogenic domain of E2 protein of BVDV-1 was expressed by prokaryotic pET-28a vector. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against E2 protein were prepared and systemically examined by western blot, immunofluorescence assay, blocking ELISA (bELISA) and virus neutralization test (VNT). The mAb 1E2B3, which showed good reactivity and neutralizing activity to BVDV-1 strains, was selected for ELISA establishment. After a series of screening and optimization, a novel bELISA for highly sensitive and specific detection of BVDV-1 antibodies was established, using HRP-labeled 1E2B3 and recombinant E2 protein. ROC analysis of 91 positive and 84 negative reference bovine serum samples yielded the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9903. A diagnostic specificity of 96.43 % and a sensitivity of 95.6 % were achieved when the cutoff value was set at 24.31 %. There was no cross reaction to the positive sera of classical swine fever virus (CSFV), BVDV-2, border disease virus (BDV), bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (BPIV3), infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV), foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), Mycoplasma bovis (M.bovis) and Brucella. The total agreement rate of bELISA with VNT was 93.96 % (249/265). In addition, the result of bELISA was positively correlated with neutralizing antibody titer, and the bELISA could well distinguish the serum samples before and after BVDV vaccination. These results indicate that the established bELISA in this study is specific, sensitive, simple and convenient, which provides technical support for the vaccine efficacy evaluation, prevention and control of BVD in the future.

Immune evasion strategies of bovine viral diarrhea virus

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a significant pathogen that causes great economic losses in the global livestock industry. During the long-term interactions between BVDV and its hosts, the virus has evolved multiple strategies to evade the host's innate immunity and adaptive immunity, thereby promoting viral survival and replication. This review focuses on the most recent research on immune evasion strategies employed by BVDV, including evading type I IFN signaling pathway, evading host adaptive immunity, mediating NF-κB signaling pathway, mediating cell apoptosis and inducing autophagy. Unraveling BVDV's immune evasion strategies will enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of BVDV and contribute to the development of more effective therapies for the prevention, control and eradication of BVDV.

Epigenomic and Proteomic Changes in Fetal Spleens Persistently Infected with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus: Repercussions for the Developing Immune System, Bone, Brain, and Heart

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection during early gestation results in persistently infected (PI) immunotolerant calves that are the primary reservoirs of the virus. Pathologies observed in PI cattle include congenital defects of the brain, heart, and bone as well as marked functional defects in their immune system. It was hypothesized that fetal BVDV infection alters T cell activation and signaling genes by epigenetic mechanisms. To test this, PI and control fetal splenic tissues were collected on day 245 of gestation, 170 days post maternal infection. DNA was isolated for reduced representation bisulfite sequencing, protein was isolated for proteomics, both were analyzed with appropriate bioinformatic methods. Within set parameters, 1951 hypermethylated and 691 hypomethylated DNA regions were identified in PI compared to control fetuses. Pathways associated with immune system, neural, cardiac, and bone development were associated with heavily methylated DNA. The proteomic analysis revealed 12 differentially expressed proteins in PI vs. control animals. Upregulated proteins were associated with protein processing, whereas downregulated proteins were associated with lymphocyte migration and development in PI compared to control fetal spleens. The epigenetic changes in DNA may explain the immune dysfunctions, abnormal bone formation, and brain and heart defects observed in PI animals.

Recent Advances on the Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Molecular Pathogenesis, Immune Response, and Vaccines Development

The bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) consists of two species and various subspecies of closely related viruses of varying antigenicity, cytopathology, and virulence-induced pathogenesis. Despite the great ongoing efforts to control and prevent BVDV outbreaks and the emergence of new variants, outbreaks still reported throughout the world. In this review, we are focusing on the molecular biology of BVDV, its molecular pathogenesis, and the immune response of the host against the viral infection. Special attention was paid to discuss some immune evasion strategies adopted by the BVDV to hijack the host immune system to ensure the success of virus replication. Vaccination is one of the main strategies for prophylaxis and contributes to the control and eradication of many viral diseases including BVDV. We discussed the recent advances of various types of currently available classical and modern BVDV vaccines. However, with the emergence of new strains and variants of the virus, it is urgent to find some other novel targets for BVDV vaccines that may overcome the drawbacks of some of the currently used vaccines. Effective vaccination strategy mainly based on the preparation of vaccines from the homologous circulating strains. The BVDV-E2 protein plays important role in viral infection and pathogenesis. We mapped some important potential neutralizing epitopes among some BVDV genomes especially the E2 protein. These novel epitopes could be promising targets against the currently circulating strains of BVDV. More research is needed to further explore the actual roles of these epitopes as novel targets for the development of novel vaccines against BVDV. These potential vaccines may contribute to the global eradication campaign of the BVDV.

A novel MHC-II targeted BVDV subunit vaccine induces a neutralizing immunological response in guinea pigs and cattle

Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) is a major cause of economic loss in the cattle industry, worldwide. Infection results in reduced productive performance, growth retardation, reduced milk production and increased susceptibility to other diseases leading to early culling of animals. There are two primary methods used to control the spread of BVDV: the elimination of persistently infected (PI) animals and vaccination. Currently, modified live or inactivated vaccines are used in BVDV vaccination programmes, but there are safety risks or insufficient protection, respectively, with these vaccines. Here, we report the development and efficacy of the first targeted subunit vaccine against BVDV. The core of the vaccine is the fusion of the BVDV structural protein, E2, to a single-chain antibody, APCH, together termed, APCH-E2. The APCH antibody targets the E2 antigen to the major histocompatibility type II molecule (MHC-II) present on antigen-presenting cells. Industrial production of the vaccine is carried out using the baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) using single-use manufacturing technologies. This new subunit vaccine induces strong BVDV-specific neutralizing antibodies in guinea pigs and cattle. Importantly, in cattle with low levels of natural BVDV-specific neutralizing antibodies, the vaccine induced strong neutralizing antibody levels to above the protective threshold, as determined by a competition ELISA. The APCH-E2 vaccine induced a rapid and sustained neutralizing antibody response compared with a conventional vaccine in cattle.

Immunogenicity evaluation of recombinant Lactobacillus casei W56 expressing bovine viral diarrhea virus E2 protein in conjunction with cholera toxin B subunit as an adjuvant

BACKGROUND

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is one of the main causes of infectious diseases in cattle and causes large financial losses to the cattle industry worldwide. In this study, Lactobacillus casei strain W56 (Lc W56) was used as antigen deliver carrier to construct a recombinant Lactobacillus vaccine pPG-E2-ctxB/Lc W56 constitutively expressing BVDV E2 protein fused with cholera toxin B subunit (ctxB) as an adjuvant, and its immunogenicity against BVDV infection in mice model by oral route was explored.

RESULTS

Our results suggested that pPG-E2-ctxB/Lc W56 can effectively activate dendritic cells (DCs) in the Peyer's patches, up-regulate the expression of Bcl-6, and promote T-follicular helper (Tfh) cells differentiation, as well as enhance B lymphocyte proliferation and promote them differentiate into specific IgA-secreting plasma cells, secreting anti-E2 mucosal sIgA antibody with BVDV-neutralizing activity. Moreover, significant levels (p < 0.01) of BVDV-neutralizing antigen-specific serum antibodies were induced in the pPG-E2-ctxB/LC W56 group post-vaccination. The recombinant Lactobacillus vaccine can induce cellular immune responses, and significant levels (p < 0.01) of Th1-associated cytokines (IL-2, IL-12, and IFN-γ), Th2-associated cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) and Th17-associated cytokine (IL-17) were determined in the serum of vaccinated mice. Significantly, the recombinant Lactobacillus vaccine provides immune protection against BVDV infection, which can be cleared effectively by the vaccine post-challenge in orally vaccinated animals.

CONCLUSIONS

The genetically engineered Lactobacillus vaccine constructed in this study is immunogenic in mice and can induce mucosal, humoral, and cellular immune responses, providing effective anti-BVDV immune protection. It thus represents a promising strategy for vaccine development against BVDV.

Autonomously Replicating RNAs of Bungowannah Pestivirus: ERNS Is Not Essential for the Generation of Infectious Particles

Autonomously replicating subgenomic Bungowannah virus (BuPV) RNAs (BuPV replicons) with deletions of the genome regions encoding the structural proteins C, E^RNS, E1, and E2 were constructed on the basis of an infectious cDNA clone of BuPV. Nanoluciferase (Nluc) insertion was used to compare the replication efficiencies of all constructs after electroporation of in vitro-transcribed RNA from the different clones. Deletion of C, E1, E2, or the complete structural protein genome region (C-E^RNS-E1-E2) prevented the production of infectious progeny virus, whereas deletion of E^RNS still allowed the generation of infectious particles. However, those ΔE^RNS viral particles were defective in virus assembly and/or egress and could not be further propagated for more than three additional passages in porcine SK-6 cells. These "defective-in-third-cycle" BuPV ΔE^RNS mutants were subsequently used to express the classical swine fever virus envelope protein E2, the N-terminal domain of the Schmallenberg virus Gc protein, and the receptor binding domain of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus spike protein. The constructs could be efficiently complemented and further passaged in SK-6 cells constitutively expressing the BuPV E^RNS protein. Importantly, BuPVs are able to infect a wide variety of target cell lines, allowing expression in a very wide host spectrum. Therefore, we suggest that packaged BuPV ΔE^RNS replicon particles have potential as broad-spectrum viral vectors.IMPORTANCE The proteins N^PRO and E^RNS are unique for the genus Pestivirus, but only N^PRO has been demonstrated to be nonessential for in vitro growth. While this was also speculated for E^RNS, it has always been previously shown that pestivirus replicons with deletions of the structural proteins E^RNS, E1, or E2 did not produce any infectious progeny virus in susceptible host cells. Here, we demonstrated for the first time that BuPV E^RNS is dispensable for the generation of infectious virus particles but still important for efficient passaging. The E^RNS-defective BuPV particles showed clearly limited growth in cell culture but were capable of several rounds of infection, expression of foreign genes, and highly efficient trans-complementation to rescue virus replicon particles (VRPs). The noncytopathic characteristics and the absence of preexisting immunity to BuPV in human populations and livestock also provide a significant benefit for a possible use, e.g., as a vector vaccine platform.

Compartmentalized evolution of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus type 2 in an immunotolerant persistently infected cow

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is one of the most important pathogens of cattle worldwide. BVDV-1 is widely distributed in Italy, while BVDV-2 has been detected occasionally. BVDV can be classified in two biotypes, cytopathic (CP) or noncytopathic (NCP). The characteristic of the virus is linked with the infection of a pregnant dam with a NCP strain: due to viral establishment before maturation of the fetal immune system the calf remains persistently infected (PI) and immunotolerant to the infecting BVDV strain. Thanks to their immunotolerance, PI animals represent a unique model to study the viral distribution and compartmentalization in absence of immunoresponse in vivo. In the present study, NGS sequencing was used to characterize the BVDV2 viral strain infecting a PI calf and to describe the viral quasispecies in tissues. Even if the consensus sequences obtained by all the samples were highly similar, quasispecies was described evaluating the presence and the frequency of variants among all the sequencing reads in each tissue. The results suggest a high heterogeneity of the infecting viral strain suggesting viral compartmentalization. The quasispecies analysis highlights the complex dynamics of viral population structure and can increase the knowledge about viral evolution in BVDV-2 persistently infected animals.

Respiratory signs, fever and lymphopenia in calves inoculated with Brazilian HoBi-like pestiviruses

Hobi-like viruses (HobiPeV) comprise a novel, recently classified species of bovine pestiviruses, originally identified in commercial fetal bovine serum of Brazilian origin and, subsequently, isolated from diseased animals in several countries. Although frequently isolated from clinical cases, most HobiPeV isolates failed to reproduce overt disease in cattle upon experimental inoculation. Herein, we describe the outcome of experimental infection of four to six months-old seronegative calves with two Brazilian HobiPeV isolates. Calves inoculated intranasally with isolate SV478/07 developed viremia between days 2 and 9 post-inoculation (pi) and shed virus in nasal secretions up to day 11pi. These animals presented hyperthermia (day 7 to 10-11 pi) and lymphopenia from days 4 to 8pi. Clinically, all four calves developed varied degrees of apathy, anorexia, mild to moderate respiratory signs (nasal secretion, hyperemia), ocular discharge and pasty diarrhea in the days following virus inoculation. In contrast, calves inoculated with isolate SV757/15 presented only hyperthermia (days 3 to 10-11 pi) and lymphopenia (days 4-8 pi), without other apparent clinical signs. In these animals, viremia was detected up to day 9 pi and virus shedding in nasal secretions lasted up to day 12-14 pi. Both groups seroconverted to the inoculated viruses, developing virus neutralizing (VN) titers from 320 to 5120 at day 28pi. These results extend previous findings that experimental infections of calves with HobiPeV are predominantly mild, yet they also indicate that field isolates may differ in their ability to cause disease in susceptible animals.

Classical Swine Fever-An Updated Review

Classical swine fever (CSF) remains one of the most important transboundary viral diseases of swine worldwide. The causative agent is CSF virus, a small, enveloped RNA virus of the genus Pestivirus. Based on partial sequences, three genotypes can be distinguished that do not, however, directly correlate with virulence. Depending on both virus and host factors, a wide range of clinical syndromes can be observed and thus, laboratory confirmation is mandatory. To this means, both direct and indirect methods are utilized with an increasing degree of commercialization. Both infections in domestic pigs and wild boar are of great relevance; and wild boars are a reservoir host transmitting the virus sporadically also to pig farms. Control strategies for epidemic outbreaks in free countries are mainly based on classical intervention measures; i.e., quarantine and strict culling of affected herds. In these countries, vaccination is only an emergency option. However, live vaccines are used for controlling the disease in endemically infected regions in Asia, Eastern Europe, the Americas, and some African countries. Here, we will provide a concise, updated review on virus properties, clinical signs and pathology, epidemiology, pathogenesis and immune responses, diagnosis and vaccination possibilities.

Antigenic diversity of Brazilian isolates of HoBi-like pestiviruses

Hobi-like viruses comprise an unclassified group of bovine pestiviruses related to bovine viral diarrhea virus 1 (BVDV-1) and 2 (BVDV-2). These viruses were originally identified in fetal bovine serum from Brazilian origin and, subsequently, isolated from diseased animals in several countries. Herein we performed an antigenic characterization of eight Brazilian HoBi-like viruses isolated from persistently infected (PI) animals and from gastroenteric disease (2007-2015). Phylogenetic analysis based on the 5' unstranslated region (UTR) clustered these viruses with other HoBi-like viruses from European and Asiatic origin. Monoclonal antibody (MAb) binding indicated variability in the Hobi-like virus glycoprotein E2 and significant differences from the homologous BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 glycoprotein. Analysis of antigenic relatedness based on virus-neutralizing titers using virus-specific antisera revealed that HoBi-like viruses are antigenically very different from BVDV-1 and, to a lesser extent, from BVDV-2. Cross-neutralizing assays between pairs of HoBi-like viruses and their respective antisera indicated the existence of antigenic variability among these viruses, even for viruses isolated from the same herd in different occasions. Moreover, the identification of a HoBi-like isolate with low antigenic similarity with the other isolates indicates the potential existence of antigenic subgroups among HoBi-like virus isolates. Finally, sera of lambs immunized with commercial BVDV vaccines showed low or undetectable neutralizing activity against HoBi-like isolates. These results indicate significant antigenic differences between BVDV genotypes and Brazilian HoBi-like viruses and the existence of antigenic variability within this atypical group of pestiviruses. These findings extend the knowledge about the antigenic diversity of HoBi-like viruses and reinforce the need for their inclusion in current BVDV vaccines.

Classical swine fever vaccines-State-of-the-art

Due to its impact on animal health and pig industry, classical swine fever (CSF) is still one of the most important viral diseases of pigs. To control the disease, safe and highly efficacious live attenuated vaccines exist for decades. These vaccines have usually outstanding efficacy and safety but lack differentiability of infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA or marker strategy). In contrast, the first generation of E2 subunit marker vaccines shows constraints in efficacy, application, and production. To overcome these limitations, new generations of marker vaccines are developed. A wide range of approaches have been tried including recombinant vaccines, recombinant inactivated vaccines or subunit vaccines, vector vaccines, and DNA/RNA vaccines. During the last years, especially attenuated deletion vaccines or chimeric constructs have shown potential. At present, especially two new constructs have been intensively tested, the adenovirus-delivered, Semliki Forest virus replicon-vectored marker vaccine candidate "rAdV-SFV-E2" and the pestivirus chimera "CP7_E2alf". The later was recently licensed by the European Medicines Agency. Under field conditions, all marker vaccines have to be accompanied by a potent test system. Particularly this point shows still weaknesses and it is important to embed vaccination in a well-established vaccination strategy and a suitable diagnostic workflow. In summary, conventional vaccines are a standard in terms of efficacy. However, only vaccines with DIVA will allow improved eradication strategies e.g. also under emergency vaccination conditions in free regions. To answer this demand, new generations of marker vaccines have been developed and add now to the tool box of CSF control.

Failed detection of Bovine viral diarrhea virus 2 subgenotype a (BVDV-2a) by direct fluorescent antibody test on tissue samples due to reduced reactivity of field isolates to raw anti-BVDV antibody

Bovine viral diarrhea virus 1 (BVDV-1) is associated with mild or subclinical infections, whereas BVDV-2 is frequently implicated in outbreaks of severe thrombocytopenia and acute fatal disease. In the present study, the carcass of a beef breed cow and tissue samples of a beef calf were received for laboratory diagnosis. Both animals exhibited severe clinical signs compatible with thrombocytopenia or hemorrhagic syndrome. Direct fluorescent antibody test (DFAT) failed to detect BVDV antigen in the tissue specimens of both cases. However, immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed the presence of BVDV antigen in oral and esophageal mucosa and Peyer patches of the beef breed cow. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) detected BVDV-2 in selected tissues of both animals. Subsequently, BVDV was isolated from both cases and subjected to genetic and serologic characterizations. Mutations in the 5'-untranslated genomic region (5'-UTR) primer and probe binding sites and the E2 gene were associated with reduced efficiency of an established real-time RT-PCR assay and amino acid alterations in the E2 glycoprotein, respectively. Both viral isolates were classified by real-time RT-PCR and phylogenetic analysis as BVDV-2 subgenotype a. Unlike BVDV reference strains Singer and 125c, the isolates cross-reacted with anti-BVDV-1 and anti-BVDV-2 reference sera, indicating antigenic variations in field isolates. The isolates also showed reduced reactivity to porcine anti-BVDV antiserum (the raw serum used to produce BVDV DFA conjugate). In summary, data from the present investigation indicated that genetic and antigenic variations affected the performance of detection assays, especially DFAT, highlighting the need for regular evaluation and modification of BVDV tests.

Assessment of a Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Antigen Capture ELISA and a Microtiter Virus Isolation ELISA Using Pooled Ear Notch and Serum Samples

To reduce the cost of whole herd screening for bovine viral diarrhea virus persistently infected animals, the sensitivity and specificity of an antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (AC-ELISA) and a microtiter virus isolation ELISA using saline from ear notch samples or pooled serum was determined. Pooled saline from ear notch samples, assayed by AC-ELISA, gave a sensitivity and specificity of 98% and 94%, respectively, for pools containing 2 samples and 72% and 100%, respectively, for pools of 5. The sensitivity of pooled ear notch or serum samples for bovine viral diarrhea virus detection by microtiter virus isolation (sensitivity < 5%) or serum samples for detection by AC-ELISA (sensitivity < 15%) is too low to be used for whole herd screening. Pooling saline from ear notch samples from 2 animals tested by AC-ELISA, however, could provide a less expensive, reliable method for whole herd screening for bovine viral diarrhea virus.

Expression of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Envelope Glycoprotein E2 in Yeast Pichia pastoris and its Application to an ELISA for Detection of BVDV Neutralizing Antibodies in Cattle

The aim of this article is to express envelope glycoprotein E2 of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in yeast Pichia pastoris and its utility as a diagnostic antigen in ELISA. The BVDV E2 gene was cloned into the pPICZαA vector followed by integration into the Pichia pastoris strain X-33 genome for methanol-induced expression. SDS-PAGE and Western blot results showed that the recombinant BVDV E2 protein (72 kDa) was expressed and secreted into the medium at a concentration of 40 mg/L of culture under optimized conditions. An indirect ELISA was then developed by using the yeast-expressed E2 protein. Preliminary testing of 300 field cattle serum samples showed that the E2 ELISA showed a sensitivity of 91.07% and a specificity of 92.02% compared to the reference virus neutralization test. The concordance between the E2 ELISA and VNT was 91.67%. This study demonstrates feasibility of BVDV E2 protein expression in yeast Pichia pastoris for the first time and its efficacy as an antigen in ELISA for detecting BVDV neutralizing antibodies in cattle.

Genetic and antigenic characterization of bovine viral diarrhea viruses isolated from cattle in Hokkaido, Japan

In our previous study, we genetically analyzed bovine viral diarrhea viruses (BVDVs) isolated from 2000 to 2006 in Japan and reported that subgenotype 1b viruses were predominant. In the present study, 766 BVDVs isolated from 2006 to 2014 in Hokkaido, Japan, were genetically analyzed to understand recent epidemics. Phylogenetic analysis based on nucleotide sequences of the 5′-untranslated region of viral genome revealed that 766 isolates were classified as genotype 1 (BVDV-1; 544 isolates) and genotype 2 (BVDV-2; 222). BVDV-1 isolates were further divided into BVDV-1a (93), 1b (371) and 1c (80) subgenotypes, and all BVDV-2 isolates were grouped into BVDV-2a subgenotype (222). Further comparative analysis was performed with BVDV-1a, 1b and 2a viruses isolated from 2001 to 2014. Phylogenetic analysis based on nucleotide sequences of the viral glycoprotein E2 gene, a major target of neutralizing antibodies, revealed that BVDV-1a, 1b and 2a isolates were further classified into several clusters. Cross-neutralization tests showed that BVDV-1b isolates were antigenically different from BVDV-1a isolates, and almost BVDV-1a, 1b and 2a isolates were antigenically similar among each subgenotype and each E2 cluster. Taken together, BVDV-1b viruses are still predominant, and BVDV-2a viruses have increased recently in Hokkaido, Japan. Field isolates of BVDV-1a, 1b and 2a show genetic diversity on the E2 gene with antigenic conservation among each subgenotype during the last 14 years.

The effect of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) strains on bovine monocyte-derived dendritic cells (Mo-DC) phenotype and capacity to produce BVDV

Background

Dendritic cells (DC) are important antigen presentation cells that monitor, process, and present antigen to T cells. Viruses that infect DC can have a devastating impact on the immune system. In this study, the ability of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) to replicate and produce infectious virus in monocyte-derived dendritic cells (Mo-DC) and monocytes was studied. The study also examined the effect of BVDV infection on Mo-DC expression of cell surface markers, including MHCI, MHCII, and CD86, which are critical for DC function in immune response.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from bovine blood through gradient centrifugation. The adherent monocytes were isolated from PBMCs and differentiated into Mo-DC using bovine recombinant interleukin-4 (IL-4) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GMCSF). To determine the effect of BVDV on Mo-DC, four strains of BVDV were used including the severe acute non-cytopathic (ncp) BVDV2a-1373; moderate acute ncp BVDV2a 28508-5; and a homologous virus pair [i.e., cytopathic (cp) BVDV1b TGAC and ncp BVDV1b TGAN]. The Cooper strain of bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV1) was used as the control virus. Mo-DC were infected with one of the BVDV strains or BHV-1 and were subsequently examined for virus replication, virus production, and the effect on MHCI, MHCII, and CD86 expression.

Results

The ability of monocytes to produce infectious virus reduced as monocytes differentiated to Mo-DC, and was completely lost at 120 hours of maturation. Interestingly, viral RNA increased throughout the course of infection in Mo-DC, and the viral non-structural (NS5A) and envelope (E2) proteins were expressed. The ncp strains of BVDV down-regulated while cp strain up-regulated the expression of the MHCI, MHCII, and CD86 on Mo-DC.

Conclusions

The study revealed that the ability of Mo-DC to produce infectious virus was reduced with its differentiation from monocytes to Mo-DC. The inability to produce infectious virus may be due to a hindrance of virus packaging or release mechanisms. Additionally, the study demonstrated that ncp BVDV down-regulated and cp BVDV up-regulated the expression of Mo-DC cell surface markers MHCI, MHCII, and CD86, which are important in the mounting of immune responses.

Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Infections

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) continues to be of economic significance to the livestock industry in terms of acute disease and fetal loss. Many of the lesions relating to BVDV infection have been well described previously. The virus is perpetuated in herds through the presence of calves that are persistently infected. Relationships between various species and biotypes of BVDV and host defenses are increasingly understood. Understanding of the host defense mechanisms of innate immunity and adaptive immunity continues to improve, and the effects of the virus on these immune mechanisms are being used to explain how persistent infection develops. The noncytopathic biotype of BVDV plays the major role in its effects on the host defenses by inhibiting various aspects of the innate immune system and creation of immunotolerance in the fetus during early gestation. Recent advances have allowed for development of affordable test strategies to identify and remove persistently infected animals. With these improved tests and removal strategies, the livestock industry can begin more widespread effective control programs.

Studies on genetic diversity of bovine viral diarrhea viruses in Danish cattle herds

Scandinavian countries have successfully pursued bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) eradication without the use of vaccines. In Denmark, control and eradication of BVDV were achieved during the last two decades, but occasionally new BVDV infections are detected in some Danish cattle herds. The aim of this study was to determine recent BVDV subtypes isolated from 4 Danish herds (A, B, C, and D) isolated in 2009-2012 and to analyze the genetic variation of these isolates within the same herd and its relation with those of other herds. The results showed that three herds (B, C, D) were BVDV 1-b and only one herd (herd A) was BVDV 1-d, no other subtypes were detected. The deduced E2 amino acids result showed a high identity percent (99-100 %) between isolates originating from the same herd, but with higher variation compared to isolates of the other herds. Some of these new Danish strains have closer relationship to BVDVs from outside Denmark than to older Danish strains indicating that these are new introductions to Denmark. In conclusion, BVDV-1 subtypes recently detected in Denmark were only subtypes 1b and 1d, and BVDV infections established in a herd is genetically stable over a long time period.

Two doses of bovine viral diarrhea virus DNA vaccine delivered by electroporation induce long-term protective immune responses

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a pathogen of major importance in cattle, so there is a need for new effective vaccines. DNA vaccines induce balanced immune responses and are relatively inexpensive and thus promising for both human and veterinary applications. In this study, newborn calves with maternal antibodies were vaccinated intramuscularly (i.m.) with a BVDV E2 DNA vaccine with the TriGrid Delivery System for i.m. delivery (TDS-IM). Two doses of this vaccine spaced 6 or 12 weeks apart were sufficient to induce significant virus-neutralizing antibody titers, numbers of activated T cells, and reduction in viral shedding and clinical presentations after BVDV-2 challenge. In contrast to the placebo-treated animals, the vaccinated calves did not lose any weight, which is an excellent indicator of the well-being of an animal and has a significant economic impact. Furthermore, the interval between the two vaccinations did not influence the magnitude of the immune responses or degree of clinical protection, and a third immunization was not necessary or beneficial. Since electroporation may enhance not only the magnitude but also the duration of immunity after DNA immunization, the interval between vaccination and challenge was extended in a second trial, which showed that two doses of this E2 DNA vaccine again significantly reduced clinical disease against BVDV for several months. These results are promising and support this technology for use against infectious diseases in cattle and large species, including humans, in general.

The impact of BVDV infection on adaptive immunity

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) causes immunosuppression of the adaptive immune response. The level of suppression of the adaptive immune response is strain dependent. The early events of antigen presentation require activation of toll-like receptors that results in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Non-cytopathic (ncp) BVDV infection stimulates cytokines from macrophages in vitro but the effect of BVDV infection in vivo on macrophages or in vitro with monocytes is not clear. Antigen presentation is decreased and co-stimulatory molecules are down regulated. T-lymphocytes numbers are reduced following BVDV infection in a strain dependent manner. There is recruitment of lymphocytes to the bronchial alveolar space following cytopathic (cp) BVDV infection. Depletion of T-lymphocytes occurs in the lymphoid tissue and is strain dependent. BVDV cp T-lymphocyte responses appear to be primarily a T helper 1 response while the response following ncp BVDV induces a T helper 2 response. Cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL), an important BVDV defense mechanism are compromised. The major neutralizing antigens are well characterized but cross-protection between strains is variable. PI animals have normal adaptive immune responses with the exception of the PI strain immunotolerance and mucosal disease may be a function of the level of gamma delta T cells.

Complementation studies with the novel "Bungowannah" virus provide new insights in the compatibility of pestivirus proteins

In recent years several atypical pestiviruses have been described. Bungowannah virus is the most divergent virus in this group. Therefore, heterologous complementation was used to clarify the phylogenetic relationship and to analyze the exchangeability of genome regions encoding structural proteins. Using a BVDV type 1 backbone, chimeric constructs with substituted envelope proteins E(rns), E1 and E2, were investigated. While all constructs replicated autonomously, infectious high titer chimeric virus could only be observed after exchanging the complete E1-E2 encoding region. The complementation of E1 and E2 alone resulted only in replicons. Complementation of BVDV-E(rns) was only efficient if Bungowannah virus-E(rns) was expressed from a bicistronic construct. Our data provide new insights in the compatibility of pestivirus proteins and demonstrate that heterologous complementation could be useful to characterize new pestiviruses.

Electroporation enhances immune responses and protection induced by a bovine viral diarrhea virus DNA vaccine in newborn calves with maternal antibodies

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is one of the major pathogens in cattle. In this study, newborn calves with maternal antibodies were vaccinated with a BVDV DNA vaccine, either by conventional intramuscular (IM) injection or with the TriGrid™ Delivery System for IM delivery (TDS-IM). The calves vaccinated with the TDS-IM developed more rapidly and effectively BVDV-specific humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in the presence of maternal antibodies. Overall, the immune responses induced by delivery with the TDS-IM remained stronger than those elicited by conventional IM injection of the BVDV DNA vaccine. Accordingly, electroporation-mediated delivery of the BVDV DNA vaccine resulted in close to complete protection from clinical signs of disease, while conventional IM administration did not fully prevent morbidity and mortality following challenge with BVDV-2. These results demonstrate the TDS-IM to be effective as a delivery system for a BVDV DNA vaccine in newborn calves in the presence of maternal antibodies, which supports the potential of electroporation as a delivery method for prophylactic DNA vaccines.

Genetic characterization of bovine viral diarrhea viruses isolated from persistently infected calves born to dams vaccinated against bovine viral diarrhea virus before breeding

OBJECTIVE

To collect and partially characterize strains of bovine viral diarrhea viruses(BVDVs) isolated from persistently infected (PI) calves born to vaccinated dams, determine genetic diversity of the isolated viruses, and identify regional distribution of genetically similar virus subpopulations.

SAMPLE POPULATION

17 noncytopathic (NCP) BVDVs from PI calves from 11 herds of beef or dairy cattle.

PROCEDURES

Viral RNA was extracted from infected cell cultures, and BVDV-specific PCR primers were used to amplify > 1,000 bases of the viral genome. Derived sequences were used for molecular phylogenetic analyses to determine the viral genotype and viral genogroup and to assess genetic similarity among BVDVs.

RESULTS

Analysis of the 17 NCP strains of BVDV failed to detect a viral genotype or viral genogroup not already reported to exist in the United States. One virus was classified as genotype 1, genogroup 1b, and 16 viruses were classified as genotype 2, genogroup 2a. Genotype 2 strains were genetically diverse, and genetic similarities were not obvious among viruses from geographic regions larger than a small locale.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Viruses isolated from herds where a genotype 1, genogroup 1a BVDV vaccine was administered prior to breeding were primarily genetically diverse genotype 2, genogroup 2a BVDVs. Vaccination with multiple BVDV genotypes may be needed to improve protection. Methods used in this study to obtain and analyze field strains are applicable to assessing efficacy of current BVDV vaccines. Candidates for future vaccines are viruses that appear able to elude the immune response of cattle vaccinated against BVDV with existing vaccines.

Establishment of a bovine herpesvirus 4 based vector expressing a secreted form of the bovine viral diarrhoea virus structural glycoprotein E2 for immunization purposes

Background

The biological characteristics of BoHV-4 make it a good candidate as a gene delivery vector for vaccination purposes. These characteristics include little or no pathogenicity, unlikely oncogenicity, the capability to accommodate large amounts of foreign genetic material, the ability to infect several cell types from different animal species, and the ability to maintain transgene expression in both undifferentiated and differentiated cells.

Results

A recombinant bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4CMV-IgKE2-14ΔTK) expressing an enhanced secreted form of the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) structural glycoprotein E2 (gE2-14), obtained by the removal of the putative transmembrane domain and addition of a 14 amino acids peptide at its carboxyl terminal and an immunoglobulin K signal peptide to the amino terminal, was successfully constructed using a Recombineering (recombination -mediated genetic engineering) approach on BoHV-4 cloned as bacterial artificial chromosome. The galactokinase – based recombineering system was modified by the introduction of a kanamycin expression cassette and a kanamycin selection step that allowed a significant reduction of the untargeted background clones. BoHV-4CMV-IgKE2-14ΔTK infected cell lines highly expressed gE2-14, which maintained native antigenic properties in a serum neutralization inhibition test. When rabbits and sheep were immunized with BoHV-4CMV-IgKE2-14ΔTK, high levels of serum neutralized antibodies against BVDV were generated.

Conclusion

This work highlights the engineerization of BoHV-4 genome as a vector for vaccine purposes and may provide the basis for BVDV vaccination exploiting the BoHV-4- based vector that delivers an improved secreted version of the BVDV structural glycoprotein E2.

Characterization of protection against systemic infection and disease from experimental bovine viral diarrhea virus type 2 infection by use of a modified-live noncytopathic type 1 vaccine in calves

Objective—To evaluate protection resulting from use of a modified-live noncytopathic bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) type 1 vaccine against systemic infection and clinical disease in calves challenged with type 2 BVDV.

Animals—10 calves, 5 to 7 months of age.

Procedures—Calves were allocated (n = 5/group) to be nonvaccinated or vaccinated SC on day 0 with BVDV 1 (WRL strain). Calves in both groups were challenged intranasally with BVDV type 2 isolate 890 on day 21. Rectal temperatures and clinical signs of disease were recorded daily, and total and differential WBC and platelet counts were performed. Histologic examinations and immunohistochemical analyses to detect lesions and distribution of viral antigens, respectively, were performed.

Results—After challenge exposure to BVDV type 2, nonvaccinated calves developed high rectal temperatures, increased respiratory rates, viremia, leukopenia, lymphopenia, and infection of the thymus. Vaccinated calves did not develop high rectal temperatures or clinical signs of respiratory tract disease. Vaccinated calves appeared to be protected against systemic replication of virus in that they did not develop leukopenia, lymphopenia, viremia, or infection of target organs, and infectious virus was not detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells or the thymus.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The modified-live BVDV type 1 vaccine protected against systemic infection and disease after experimental challenge exposure with BVDV type 2. The vaccine protected calves against infection and viremia and prevented infection of target lymphoid cells.

Risk assessment of transmission of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in abattoir-derived in vitro produced embryos

Bovine virus diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a pathogen of the bovine reproductive system causing reduced conception rates, abortions and persistently infected calves. Most if not all strains of BVDV are transmissible by natural mating and AI. For international trade, it is recommended that in vitro fertilized embryos be washed according to the IETS Manual. However, BVDV may not be entirely washed out, resulting in possible transmission risks to recipients. Donor cows, donor bulls and biological agents are all possible sources of contamination. The process for producing in vitro produced (IVP) embryos is complex and non-standard, and some procedures can contribute to spread of BVDV to uninfected embryos. The structure of the zone pellucida (ZP) of IVP embryos permits adherence of BVDV to the ZP. To estimate the risk of producing infected recipients and persistently infected calves from abattoir-derived IVP embryos, a quantitative risk assessment model using Microsoft Excel and Palisade @Risk was developed. Assumptions simplified some of the complexities of the IVP process. Uncertainties due to incomplete or variable data were addressed by incorporating probability distributions in the model. Model variables included: disease prevalence; the number of donor cows slaughtered for ovaries; the number of oocytes collected, selected and cultured; the BVDV status of ovaries, semen, biological compounds and its behavior in the IVP embryo process. The model used the Monte Carlo method to simulate the IVP process. When co-culture cells derived from donor cows of unknown health status were used for in vitro culture (IVC), the probability of a recipient cow at risk of infection to BVDV per oocyte selected for IVP processing averaged 0.0006. However, when co-culture free from BVDV was used, the probability was 1.2 x 10(-5). Thus, for safe international trade in bovine IVP embryos (i.e. negligible risks of transmission of BVDV), co-culture cells, if used during IVC for producing IVP embryos, should be disease-free.

Packaged replicons of bovine viral diarrhea virus are capable of inducing a protective immune response

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) replicons with deletions within the capsid, E(RNS) or E1 encoding region were constructed and efficiently packaged with a helper cell line. High titres of packaged replicons were observed as early as 24 h after transfection, whereas no virus progeny could be detected after transfection of non-complementing cells. Infection of bovine cell cultures with rescued viruses resulted in one cycle of replication without release of infectious virus particles, and no genetic reversion of the generated viruses was detected. Packaged replicons with a deletion within the capsid-coding region were characterized in vivo in immunization and challenge trials. Following immunization of calves with the replication-deficient virus, neither virus shedding nor viremia was detected. After challenge infection with virulent BVDV, all vaccinates were completely protected from disease as measured by the absence of viremia and shedding of challenge virus, which indicated that a 'sterilizing immunity' could be induced with the generated replication-deficient packaged replicons.

Truncated E2 of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) expressed in Drosophila melanogaster cells: a candidate antigen for a BVDV ELISA

A simple and reliable indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of antibodies directed against a major bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) immunogen, the E2 glycoprotein (tE2-ELISA), has been developed using the recombinant C-terminal truncated E2 glycoprotein (tE2) expressed in a Drosophila melanogaster system. This strategy demonstrated that tE2 is secreted efficiently in the supernatant, no purification steps are necessary, it is easy to produce and carries out the post translational modifications necessary to preserve its native conformation. Preliminary analysis of 183 cattle serum samples using tE2-ELISA showed a 98% specificity and a 100% sensitivity compared with the standard homologous BVDV virus neutralization test. The results also showed that the tE2 is immunoreactive because the conformation and antigenicity of the original E2 are maintained to a large extent. To our knowledge this is the first study report of the recombinant tE2 of BVDV expressed in D. melanogaster system as an antigen for ELISA.

Development and application of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of bovine viral diarrhea antibody based on Erns glycoprotein expressed in a baculovirus system

The BVDV envelope glycoprotein E(rns)/gp48 and the C terminal 79 amino acids of the capsid protein coding region were expressed in a baculovirus system and antigenically characterized. Western blot assay was used to detect recombinant E(rns) (r-E(rns)) in infected insect cells using specific monoclonal antibodies. The r-E(rns) was then used in an indirect ELISA to detect BVDV specific antibodies in a panel of 540 well-characterized sera. Results of the r-E(rns) ELISA were compared to those obtained with a commercially available competitive ELISA targeting anti-NS2/3 antibodies. A good correlation was observed between the 2 ELISA (kappa = 0.916, 95% C.I.: 0.876, 0.956). Using the commercial NS2/3 ELISA as the reference test, the relative sensitivity of r-E(rns) ELISA was 97.5% (95% C.I.: 94.3%, 99.1%) and the relative specificity was 93.9% (95% C.I.: 89.4%, 96.9%), while relative specificity was 100% (95% C.I.: 97%, 100%) using true negative sera (derived from a negative herd). All but 1 antigen positive animals (n = 36) tested negative in the r-E(rns) ELISA; among them all 22 confirmed PI animals were negative by r-E(rns) ELISA. The ability of r-E(rns) ELISA to identify cattle immunized with inactivated vaccine was also demonstrated in a small group of cattle, compared to an NS2/3 antibody ELISA. Results suggest that r-E(rns) ELISA represents an alternative test for antibody generated by natural infection or BVDV vaccination.

A search for RNA insertions and NS3 gene duplication in the genome of cytopathic isolates of bovine viral diarrhea virus

Calves born persistently infected with non-cytopathic bovine viral diarrhea virus (ncpBVDV) frequently develop a fatal gastroenteric illness called mucosal disease. Both the original virus (ncpBVDV) and an antigenically identical but cytopathic virus (cpBVDV) can be isolated from animals affected by mucosal disease. Cytopathic BVDVs originate from their ncp counterparts by diverse genetic mechanisms, all leading to the expression of the non-structural polypeptide NS3 as a discrete protein. In contrast, ncpBVDVs express only the large precursor polypeptide, NS2-3, which contains the NS3 sequence within its carboxy-terminal half. We report here the investigation of the mechanism leading to NS3 expression in 41 cpBVDV isolates. An RT-PCR strategy was employed to detect RNA insertions within the NS2-3 gene and/or duplication of the NS3 gene, two common mechanisms of NS3 expression. RT-PCR amplification revealed insertions in the NS2-3 gene of three cp isolates, with the inserts being similar in size to that present in the cpBVDV NADL strain. Sequencing of one such insert revealed a 296-nucleotide sequence with a central core of 270 nucleotides coding for an amino acid sequence highly homologous (98%) to the NADL insert, a sequence corresponding to part of the cellular J-Domain gene. One cpBVDV isolate contained a duplication of the NS3 gene downstream from the original locus. In contrast, no detectable NS2-3 insertions or NS3 gene duplications were observed in the genome of 37 cp isolates. These results demonstrate that processing of NS2-3 without bulk mRNA insertions or NS3 gene duplications seems to be a frequent mechanism leading to NS3 expression and BVDV cytopathology.

Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) diversity and vaccination. A review

BVDV is associated with a range of economically important clinical diseases including reproductive disorders and acute fatal haemorrhagic disease in cattle industry. Vaccination is still the most important control strategy for controlling BVDV infections in many countries of the world. The existence of great genetic and antigenic diversity of BVDV isolates is very important concern for BVDV vaccine development and protective efficacy of current vaccines. In this review, the protective efficacies of the selected examples of BVDV vaccines with regard to BVDV diversity and the novel marker vaccine development studies are discussed.

Priming with DNA encoding E2 and boosting with E2 protein formulated with CpG oligodeoxynucleotides induces strong immune responses and protection from Bovine viral diarrhea virus in cattle

The objective of this study was to develop an optimal vaccination strategy for Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). The E2 protein of BVDV plays a major protective role against BVDV infection. In order to be able to compare DNA, protein and DNA prime-protein boost regimens, a plasmid was constructed encoding a secreted form of the NADL strain E2 protein (pMASIA-tPAsDeltaE2). Furthermore, a pure secreted recombinant DeltaE2 (rDeltaE2) protein was produced. The rDeltaE2 protein was formulated with a combination of Emulsigen and CpG oligodeoxynucleotide. Groups of calves were immunized with pMASIA-tPAsDeltaE2 or with rDeltaE2, or first with pMASIA-tPAsDeltaE2 and then with rDeltaE2. To evaluate the protection against BVDV, calves were challenged with BVDV strain NY-1 after the last immunization. Although all immunized calves developed humoral and cellular immune responses, the antibody responses in the DNA prime-protein boost group were stronger than those elicited by either the DNA vaccine or the protein vaccine. In particular, E2-specific antibody titres were enhanced significantly after boosting the DeltaE2 DNA-primed calves with rDeltaE2 protein. Moreover, protection against BVDV challenge was obtained in the calves treated with the DNA prime-protein boost vaccination regimen, as shown by a significant reduction in weight loss, viral excretion and lymphopenia, compared with the unvaccinated calves and the animals immunized with the DNA or protein only. These results demonstrate the advantage of a DNA prime-protein boost vaccination approach in an outbred species.

Expression of bovine viral diarrhea virus glycoprotein E2 as a soluble secreted form in a Mammalian cell line

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) membrane-anchored type I glycoprotein E2 is an approximately 53-kDa immunodominant glycoprotein inducing the production of neutralizing antibodies in the animal host after natural infection or following immunization with live or killed vaccines. The E2 coding region lacking the transmembrane domain was constructed in a soluble secreted form (secE2) and expressed in the medium of a transiently transfected human cell line. The crude conditioned medium containing secE2 can be potentially employed to develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay antigen for the diagnosis of BVDV infection or for vaccine purposes.

Selection and use of laboratory diagnostic assays in BVD control programmes

Since bovine virus diarrhoea (BVD) was recognised as a unique disease complex, many different diagnostic methods have been used to detect the BVD virus (BVDV) itself, or immunity to BVDV. Of those that have evolved along with the current demands for accurate diagnostic tests, two categories are of interest for BVD control programmes. As reference assays, virus isolation and detection of virus neutralising antibodies are both carried out using cell cultures, which are time, resource and skill demanding. Enzyme immuno-assays are better suited for screening of large series of samples, and several variants of these have been developed for detection of both antibodies and viral antigens. Of other methods adapted for rapid diagnostic use are immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Basic properties of these and other methods are reviewed, with emphasis on the need for diagnostic assays in control programmes for BVD.

Immunization with plasmid DNA encoding a truncated, secreted form of the bovine viral diarrhea virus E2 protein elicits strong humoral and cellular immune responses

The major protective antigen of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), the E2 protein, is cell-associated and not expressed on the cell surface. In this study we evaluated a DNA vaccine encoding various secreted versions of E2. In vitro analysis demonstrated that deletion of the transmembrane anchor and addition of the signal sequence of bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) (gDsDeltaE2) resulted in efficient secretion of E2 into the culture medium. In contrast, full-length E2, either without or with gDs (gDsE2), as well as truncated E2 without gDs (DeltaE2), remained entirely cell-associated. Mice immunized with plasmid encoding gDsDeltaE2 developed significantly higher IgG and virus neutralizing antibody titres compared to animals vaccinated with plasmid encoding E2, DeltaE2 or gDsE2. To optimize secretion of E2, the efficiency of gDs was compared with that of the tissue plasminogen activator signal (tPAs) sequence. In addition, the effect of the plasmid backbone was assessed by comparing two vectors. Four plasmids, pMASIA-gDsDeltaE2, pMASIA-tPAsDeltaE2, pSLKIA-gDsDeltaE2 and pSLKIA-tPAsDeltaE2, were constructed and administered intradermally to mice. The mice immunized with pMASIA-tPAsDeltaE2 developed the strongest and most balanced immune responses. Vaccination of cattle confirmed that pMASIA-tPAsDeltaE2 elicited both strong humoral and cellular immune responses and thus could be a candidate DNA vaccine against BVDV.

Genetic and antigenic characterization of an atypical pestivirus isolate, a putative member of a novel pestivirus species

The genus Pestivirus within the family Flaviviridae currently consists of four different main species: Classical swine fever virus, Bovine viral diarrhea virus types 1 and 2 and Border disease virus. A fifth tentative species is represented by an isolate from a giraffe. In this study, a completely new pestivirus, isolated from a batch of fetal calf serum that was collected in Brazil, is described. It is proposed that the isolate D32/00_'HoBi' may constitute a novel sixth pestivirus species, because it is genetically, as well as antigenically, markedly different from all other pestiviruses. Based on the entire N(pro)- and E2-encoding sequences, identities of <70 % to all other pestivirus species were determined. Similarly, cross-neutralization and binding studies using antisera and mAbs revealed marked antigenic differences between D32/00_'HoBi' and all other pestiviruses.

Origination and consequences of bovine viral diarrhea virus diversity

The potential consequences of BVDV genetic and antigenic diversity are far ranging. The complexity of clinical presentations associated with BVDV likely arises from factors encoded by the virus genome. More importantly,prevention and control of BVDV may be complicated by diagnostic and immunization failure resulting from virus diversity. Evolutionary pressures will continue to drive further diversity, making control of BVDV challenging. Current and the potential for future BVDV strain diversity should be considered when designing BVDV control programs both at the individual farm and national herd level.

An avirulent chimeric Pestivirus with altered cell tropism protects pigs against lethal infection with classical swine fever virus

A chimeric Pestivirus was constructed using an infectious cDNA clone of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) [J. Virol. 70 (1996) 8606]. After deletion of the envelope protein E2-encoding region, the respective sequence of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) strain Alfort 187 was inserted in-frame resulting in plasmid pA/CP7_E2alf. After transfection of in vitro-transcribed CP7_E2alf RNA, autonomous replication of chimeric RNA in bovine and porcine cell cultures was observed. Efficient growth of chimeric CP7_E2alf virus, however, could only be demonstrated on porcine cells, and in contrast to the parental BVDV strain CP7, CP7_E2alf only inefficiently infected and propagated in bovine cells. The virulence, immunogenicity, and "marker vaccine" properties of the generated chimeric CP7_E2alf virus were determined in an animal experiment using 27 pigs. After intramuscular inoculation of 1 x 10(7) TCID(50), CP7_E2alf proved to be completely avirulent, and neither viremia nor virus transmission to contact animals was observed; however, CSFV-specific neutralizing antibodies were detected from day 11 after inoculation. In addition, sera from all animals reacted positive in an E2-specific CSFV-antibody ELISA, but were negative for CSFV-E(RNS)-specific antibodies as determined with a CSFV marker ELISA. After challenge infection with highly virulent CSFV strain Eystrup, pigs immunized with CP7_E2alf were fully protected against clinical signs of CSFV infection, viremia, and shedding of challenge virus, and almost all animals scored positive in a CSFV marker ELISA. From our results, we conclude that chimeric CP7_E2alf may not only serve as a tool for a better understanding of Pestivirus attachment, entry, and assembly, but also represents an innocuous and efficacious modified live CSFV "marker vaccine".

Bovine viral diarrhea virus 1 is classified into different subgenotypes depending on the analyzed region within the viral genome

Phylogenetic analyses of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) were performed based on the nucleotide sequences of the 5' untranslated region (5'-UTR) and E2-coding gene. Thirty-six BVDV detected from naturally infected cattle in the northern region of Japan were divided into three genotypes, BVDV1a, BVDV1b and BVDV2, in a 5'-UTR phylogenetic tree. In a phylogenetic tree constructed from the E2-coding gene, BVDV1c was identified and the viruses classified in BVDV1c were included in BVDV1a in the 5'-UTR phylogenetic tree. Moreover, BVDV1a and BVDV1b in the E2-phylogenetic tree clustered closer together than in the 5'-UTR tree. These results suggested that phylogenetic analysis of the E2 gene was more useful for identification of subgenotypes within BVDV1.