Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are essential regulators of viral protein function and replication efficiency. Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) polymerase VP1 has been reported to undergo multiple PTMs; however, the interplay among different modifications remains poorly understood. In this study, we identified a novel phosphorylation site at threonine 425 (T425) adjacent to the previously characterized arginine 426 (R426) methylation site of VP1. Mass spectrometry and phospho-specific antibodies confirmed phosphorylation at T425 during IBDV replication. Functional assays demonstrated that phosphorylation at T425 enhances VP1 polymerase activity and promotes viral replication, whereas mutation of this site markedly impaired viral growth. Inhibition experiments further indicated that inhibitor IX significantly inhibit T425 phosphorylation. Importantly, we revealed a synergistic relationship between T425 phosphorylation and PRMT5-mediated R426 methylation, as loss of either modification attenuated the other. Recombinant IBDV harboring the T425A/R426A double mutation exhibited significantly reduced replication capacity compared to single mutants. Together, our findings uncover a previously unrecognized crosstalk between adjacent phosphorylation and methylation sites in VP1, providing new insights into the fine-tuned regulation of IBDV replication and offering potential targets for antiviral strategies and vaccine development.
{"title":"Phosphorylation of T425 and methylation of R426 synergistically regulate IBDV VP1 function and viral replication","authors":"Huiping Liang , Xiangxiang Gao , Yan Xiao , Rongzhao Sun , Biao Chen , Qinghua Zeng , Zheng Chen , Xiangdong Wu , Huansheng Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.vetmic.2026.110871","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetmic.2026.110871","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are essential regulators of viral protein function and replication efficiency. Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) polymerase VP1 has been reported to undergo multiple PTMs; however, the interplay among different modifications remains poorly understood. In this study, we identified a novel phosphorylation site at threonine 425 (T425) adjacent to the previously characterized arginine 426 (R426) methylation site of VP1. Mass spectrometry and phospho-specific antibodies confirmed phosphorylation at T425 during IBDV replication. Functional assays demonstrated that phosphorylation at T425 enhances VP1 polymerase activity and promotes viral replication, whereas mutation of this site markedly impaired viral growth. Inhibition experiments further indicated that inhibitor IX significantly inhibit T425 phosphorylation. Importantly, we revealed a synergistic relationship between T425 phosphorylation and PRMT5-mediated R426 methylation, as loss of either modification attenuated the other. Recombinant IBDV harboring the T425A/R426A double mutation exhibited significantly reduced replication capacity compared to single mutants. Together, our findings uncover a previously unrecognized crosstalk between adjacent phosphorylation and methylation sites in VP1, providing new insights into the fine-tuned regulation of IBDV replication and offering potential targets for antiviral strategies and vaccine development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23551,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary microbiology","volume":"313 ","pages":"Article 110871"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145935046","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-03DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2026.110873
Jiale Wei , Zehui Li , Shiwen Li , Yunfei Xing , Feifei Wang , Xiaohui Jin , Zhanyong Wei
Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is an emerging porcine coronavirus that causes acute watery diarrhea mainly in piglets. However, the mechanism of PDCoV infection is unclear, which hinders the development of new effective drugs and vaccines. In this study, host factors that involved in PDCoV infection were screened using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) based transcriptome analysis. Adhesion molecule, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), was selected from the differential genes. The expression of VCAM-1 was further verified by quantitative RT-PCR. It has also been validated in piglet challenge experiments. In the intestine mainly infected, VCAM-1 was detected to be significantly upregulated at the nucleic acid and protein levels. This indicates that VCAM-1 plays a role in the infection of PDCoV. These results help us to understand of the effects of PDCoV infection on host cells, providing a research basis for further screening of drug targets.
{"title":"Transcriptomic analysis reveals the host factor VCAM-1 affecting porcine delta coronavirus infection","authors":"Jiale Wei , Zehui Li , Shiwen Li , Yunfei Xing , Feifei Wang , Xiaohui Jin , Zhanyong Wei","doi":"10.1016/j.vetmic.2026.110873","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetmic.2026.110873","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is an emerging porcine coronavirus that causes acute watery diarrhea mainly in piglets. However, the mechanism of PDCoV infection is unclear, which hinders the development of new effective drugs and vaccines. In this study, host factors that involved in PDCoV infection were screened using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) based transcriptome analysis. Adhesion molecule, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), was selected from the differential genes. The expression of VCAM-1 was further verified by quantitative RT-PCR. It has also been validated in piglet challenge experiments. In the intestine mainly infected, VCAM-1 was detected to be significantly upregulated at the nucleic acid and protein levels. This indicates that VCAM-1 plays a role in the infection of PDCoV. These results help us to understand of the effects of PDCoV infection on host cells, providing a research basis for further screening of drug targets.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23551,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary microbiology","volume":"313 ","pages":"Article 110873"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939819","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-02DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2026.110872
Pengcheng Wang, Xuan Hu, Lang Tian, Xiaoyu Lu, Qian Xiong, Kangli Liang, Qiaomu Deng, Guilan Wen, Anchun Cheng
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a major pathogen that causes substantial economic losses to the global swine industry. Apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like 3 F (APOBEC3F), a key constituent of cytoplasmic processing bodies (P-bodies) and a member of the deaminase protein family, possesses intrinsic antiviral activity. This study systematically investigates the effects of APOBEC3F and its functional domains on PRRSV replication. This study systematically investigated the effects of APOBEC3F and its functional domains on PRRSV replication. We found that overexpression of APOBEC3F and its C-terminal deaminase domain (CD2) markedly suppressed PRRSV replication (including transcription, protein expression, and viral titers) in susceptible porcine cells. Conversely, APOBEC3F knockdown enhanced viral replication. Notably, several PRRSV proteins—NSP1α, NSP1β, NSP5, NSP7, GP4, GP5, and N—were found to downregulate endogenous APOBEC3F mRNA expression in host cells. Moreover, IP-MS analysis identified several potential candidate interactors, including DEAD-box helicases (such as DDX6 and MOV10) and other host factors, suggesting that APOBEC3F may associate with P-body components to exert its antiviral function. These results offer new insights into the molecular mechanisms of APOBEC3F-mediated antiviral defense against PRRSV and underscore its potential as a therapeutic target.
猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒(PRRSV)是给全球养猪业造成重大经济损失的主要病原体。载脂蛋白B mrna编辑酶催化多肽样3 F (APOBEC3F)是细胞质加工体(P-bodies)的关键成分,也是脱胺酶蛋白家族的成员,具有内在的抗病毒活性。本研究系统地探讨了APOBEC3F及其功能域对PRRSV复制的影响。本研究系统地探讨了APOBEC3F及其功能域对PRRSV复制的影响。我们发现APOBEC3F及其c端脱氨酶结构域(CD2)的过表达显著抑制PRRSV在易感猪细胞中的复制(包括转录、蛋白表达和病毒滴度)。相反,敲低APOBEC3F可增强病毒复制。值得注意的是,几种PRRSV蛋白(nsp1 α、NSP1β、NSP5、NSP7、GP4、GP5和n)在宿主细胞中下调内源性APOBEC3F mRNA的表达。此外,IP-MS分析发现了几种潜在的候选相互作用物,包括DEAD-box解旋酶(如DDX6和MOV10)和其他宿主因子,表明APOBEC3F可能与p体成分结合发挥其抗病毒功能。这些结果为apobec3f介导的PRRSV抗病毒防御的分子机制提供了新的见解,并强调了其作为治疗靶点的潜力。
{"title":"APOBEC3F restricts PRRSV replication through its CD2 domain and interaction with host antiviral proteins","authors":"Pengcheng Wang, Xuan Hu, Lang Tian, Xiaoyu Lu, Qian Xiong, Kangli Liang, Qiaomu Deng, Guilan Wen, Anchun Cheng","doi":"10.1016/j.vetmic.2026.110872","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetmic.2026.110872","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a major pathogen that causes substantial economic losses to the global swine industry. Apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like 3 F (APOBEC3F), a key constituent of cytoplasmic processing bodies (P-bodies) and a member of the deaminase protein family, possesses intrinsic antiviral activity. This study systematically investigates the effects of APOBEC3F and its functional domains on PRRSV replication. This study systematically investigated the effects of APOBEC3F and its functional domains on PRRSV replication. We found that overexpression of APOBEC3F and its C-terminal deaminase domain (CD2) markedly suppressed PRRSV replication (including transcription, protein expression, and viral titers) in susceptible porcine cells. Conversely, APOBEC3F knockdown enhanced viral replication. Notably, several PRRSV proteins—NSP1α, NSP1β, NSP5, NSP7, GP4, GP5, and N—were found to downregulate endogenous APOBEC3F mRNA expression in host cells. Moreover, IP-MS analysis identified several potential candidate interactors, including DEAD-box helicases (such as DDX6 and MOV10) and other host factors, suggesting that APOBEC3F may associate with P-body components to exert its antiviral function. These results offer new insights into the molecular mechanisms of APOBEC3F-mediated antiviral defense against PRRSV and underscore its potential as a therapeutic target.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23551,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary microbiology","volume":"313 ","pages":"Article 110872"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145913111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-02DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2026.110870
Chenchen Lu , Chenglan Zhang , Yanan Li , Zujian Qiao , Xijun Wang , Weiye Chen , Xiaoyi Chen , Qian Jiang , Da Xu , Zhigao Bu , Sen Hu
Brucellosis, a globally significant zoonosis caused by Brucella species, leads to severe reproductive complications including abortion and infertility in animals and humans. Vaccination remains a cornerstone strategy for the control of brucellosis transmission. The Brucella melitensis vaccine strain M5‑90 was developed in China during the 1970s–1980s by attenuation from virulent M28 strain. This study systematically evaluated the safety and protective efficacy of M5‑90 in mouse and guinea pigs models. Results indicated that M5‑90 was completely cleared from mice within 15 weeks after subcutaneous inoculation of 10⁸ CFU, exhibiting a 50 % recovery time (RT50) of 9.27 ± 1.26 weeks. Bacterial replication was not dose-dependent. The bacterial burden in M5‑90-infected mice reduced by 1–3 log10 compared with the virulent M28 group at a challenge dose of 10⁶ CFU (P < 0.05). Immunization with 10⁵ CFU conferred significant protection against virulent B. melitensis M28 and B. abortus 544 challenges at 45 and 150 days post-vaccination, respectively (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). In guinea pigs, the splenic bacterial load of M5‑90 was markedly lower than that in the M28 group (2440 ± 240 vs. 223,000 ± 3800 CFU/g; P < 0.001). A dose of 3 × 10⁸ CFU of M5‑90 provided complete (100 %) and strong (90 %) protection against M28 and 544 challenges, respectively. In summary, Brucella melitensis vaccine strain M5‑90 demonstrates favorable safety and protective efficacy in mice and guinea pigs, supporting its potential as a promising vaccine for brucellosis control.
{"title":"Evaluation of residual virulence and protective efficacy for Brucella melitensis vaccine strain M5-90 in mice and guinea pigs","authors":"Chenchen Lu , Chenglan Zhang , Yanan Li , Zujian Qiao , Xijun Wang , Weiye Chen , Xiaoyi Chen , Qian Jiang , Da Xu , Zhigao Bu , Sen Hu","doi":"10.1016/j.vetmic.2026.110870","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetmic.2026.110870","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Brucellosis, a globally significant zoonosis caused by <em>Brucella</em> species, leads to severe reproductive complications including abortion and infertility in animals and humans. Vaccination remains a cornerstone strategy for the control of brucellosis transmission. The <em>Brucella melitensis</em> vaccine strain M5‑90 was developed in China during the 1970s–1980s by attenuation from virulent M28 strain. This study systematically evaluated the safety and protective efficacy of M5‑90 in mouse and guinea pigs models. Results indicated that M5‑90 was completely cleared from mice within 15 weeks after subcutaneous inoculation of 10⁸ CFU, exhibiting a 50 % recovery time (RT50) of 9.27 ± 1.26 weeks. Bacterial replication was not dose-dependent. The bacterial burden in M5‑90-infected mice reduced by 1–3 log10 compared with the virulent M28 group at a challenge dose of 10⁶ CFU (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Immunization with 10⁵ CFU conferred significant protection against virulent <em>B. melitensis</em> M28 and <em>B. abortus</em> 544 challenges at 45 and 150 days post-vaccination, respectively (<em>P</em> < 0.05 or <em>P</em> < 0.01). In guinea pigs, the splenic bacterial load of M5‑90 was markedly lower than that in the M28 group (2440 ± 240 vs. 223,000 ± 3800 CFU/g; <em>P</em> < 0.001). A dose of 3 × 10⁸ CFU of M5‑90 provided complete (100 %) and strong (90 %) protection against M28 and 544 challenges, respectively. In summary, <em>Brucella melitensis</em> vaccine strain M5‑90 demonstrates favorable safety and protective efficacy in mice and guinea pigs, supporting its potential as a promising vaccine for brucellosis control.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23551,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary microbiology","volume":"313 ","pages":"Article 110870"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145918515","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2025.110856
Shijie Geng , Dilhani Ekanayake , Anna Kanci Condello , David P. De Souza , Sheik Nadeem Elahee Doomun , Chintha K. Premachandre , Jordi Hondrogiannis , Glenn F. Browning , Sara M. Klose , Kelly A. Tivendale , Nadeeka K. Wawegama
Although proteolytic activity has been shown to be critical for virulence in mycoplasmas, the role of this activity in the pathogenesis of infections with Mycoplasma bovis is yet to be fully elucidated. Two putative peptidase genes (MBOVPG45_0176 and MBOVPG45_0685) of M. bovis were previously shown to be required for the survival of the organism in association with host cells. To investigate the metabolic functions of the two genes, proteolytic screening of M. bovis cell-associated and secreted proteins, together with metabolomic profiling by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), were used in this study to compare mutants in which the genes were disrupted by a transposon with their parent strain. Cloning and expression of the two genes were also attempted to study their enzymatic activity. Zymography using different peptidase substrates detected secreted proteins of M. bovis with proteolytic activity against gelatin and collagen. Although peptidase activity was reduced in the mutant in which the MBOVPG45_0176 gene was disrupted, the expressed glutathione S-transferase-tagged recombinant product of this gene had no detectable proteolytic activity, possibly due to the absence of propeptide cleavage required for peptidase maturation. Comparative metabolomic profiling revealed that mutants with either of these genes disrupted had significantly lower abundances of amino acids, nucleoside metabolites, and glycolytic intermediates. These results suggest the two putative peptidase genes have a role in metabolic and extracellular proteolytic activity of M. bovis, although further investigation is needed to determine the targets of the proteolytic activity of their products and their precise role in host-mycoplasma interactions.
{"title":"The disruption of two putative peptidases affects the extracellular proteolytic and metabolic activity of Mycoplasma bovis","authors":"Shijie Geng , Dilhani Ekanayake , Anna Kanci Condello , David P. De Souza , Sheik Nadeem Elahee Doomun , Chintha K. Premachandre , Jordi Hondrogiannis , Glenn F. Browning , Sara M. Klose , Kelly A. Tivendale , Nadeeka K. Wawegama","doi":"10.1016/j.vetmic.2025.110856","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetmic.2025.110856","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although proteolytic activity has been shown to be critical for virulence in mycoplasmas, the role of this activity in the pathogenesis of infections with <em>Mycoplasma bovis</em> is yet to be fully elucidated. Two putative peptidase genes (MBOVPG45_0176 and MBOVPG45_0685) of <em>M. bovis</em> were previously shown to be required for the survival of the organism in association with host cells. To investigate the metabolic functions of the two genes, proteolytic screening of <em>M. bovis</em> cell-associated and secreted proteins, together with metabolomic profiling by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), were used in this study to compare mutants in which the genes were disrupted by a transposon with their parent strain. Cloning and expression of the two genes were also attempted to study their enzymatic activity. Zymography using different peptidase substrates detected secreted proteins of <em>M. bovis</em> with proteolytic activity against gelatin and collagen. Although peptidase activity was reduced in the mutant in which the MBOVPG45_0176 gene was disrupted, the expressed glutathione S-transferase-tagged recombinant product of this gene had no detectable proteolytic activity, possibly due to the absence of propeptide cleavage required for peptidase maturation. Comparative metabolomic profiling revealed that mutants with either of these genes disrupted had significantly lower abundances of amino acids, nucleoside metabolites, and glycolytic intermediates. These results suggest the two putative peptidase genes have a role in metabolic and extracellular proteolytic activity of <em>M. bovis</em>, although further investigation is needed to determine the targets of the proteolytic activity of their products and their precise role in host-mycoplasma interactions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23551,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary microbiology","volume":"313 ","pages":"Article 110856"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145918488","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2025.110832
Yanru Chen , Haowei Chen , Weijia Zhang , Penghao Lv , Zhichao Wang , Hanlin Liao , Kaiyue Wei , Qigai He , Min Cui
African swine fever (ASF) is an acute and highly infectious disease caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV) that has dealt a massive blow to the development of the pig industry in China. Macrophages, the primary target cells of ASFV, exhibit high plasticity, however, their phenotypic changes during infection remain poorly understood. In this study, we observed a significant increase in M2 monocytes within the peripheral blood cells of ASFV-infected pigs. In vitro experiments demonstrated that ASFV drives macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype through early phosphorylation of STAT3. STAT3 inhibition with STATTIC not only blocked M2 polarization but also suppressed ASFV replication. While M2 macrophages do not impede viral attachment or internalization, they displayed reduced killing capacity compared to M1 macrophages. Furthermore, in a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) system, CD4+ T cells cocultured with ASFV-infected M2-polarized macrophages presented suppressed early activation, marked by downregulated CD25 expression, ultimately impairing adaptive immunity. These findings reveal a critical immune evasion strategy employed by ASFV and provide key insights into ASF pathogenesis and viral persistence.
{"title":"ASFV activates STAT3 to induce proviral M2 macrophage polarization","authors":"Yanru Chen , Haowei Chen , Weijia Zhang , Penghao Lv , Zhichao Wang , Hanlin Liao , Kaiyue Wei , Qigai He , Min Cui","doi":"10.1016/j.vetmic.2025.110832","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetmic.2025.110832","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>African swine fever (ASF) is an acute and highly infectious disease caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV) that has dealt a massive blow to the development of the pig industry in China. Macrophages, the primary target cells of ASFV, exhibit high plasticity, however, their phenotypic changes during infection remain poorly understood. In this study, we observed a significant increase in M2 monocytes within the peripheral blood cells of ASFV-infected pigs. In vitro experiments demonstrated that ASFV drives macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype through early phosphorylation of STAT3. STAT3 inhibition with STATTIC not only blocked M2 polarization but also suppressed ASFV replication. While M2 macrophages do not impede viral attachment or internalization, they displayed reduced killing capacity compared to M1 macrophages. Furthermore, in a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) system, CD4<sup>+</sup> T cells cocultured with ASFV-infected M2-polarized macrophages presented suppressed early activation, marked by downregulated CD25 expression, ultimately impairing adaptive immunity. These findings reveal a critical immune evasion strategy employed by ASFV and provide key insights into ASF pathogenesis and viral persistence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23551,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary microbiology","volume":"312 ","pages":"Article 110832"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145883565","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-31DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2025.110864
Aadhavan Balakumar , Patrawin Wanakumjorn , Kazuto Kimura , Ehren McLarty , Katherine Farrell , Terza Brostoff , Jully Pires , Tamar Cohen-Davidyan , Jennifer M. Cassano , Brian Murphy , Krystle Reagan , Amir Kol
If untreated, feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease that is caused by feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), a virulent biotype of feline coronavirus (FCoV) that disseminates broadly and triggers severe systemic inflammation. While the prevailing model holds that FIPV selectively infects monocytes/macrophages, the full range of susceptible cell types and the mechanisms of immune cell invasion remain poorly defined. Here, we applied single-cell RNA sequencing, multiplex immunofluorescence, and in situ hybridization to mesenteric lymph node aspirates and formalin fixed and paraffin embedded lymph node tissues from cats with naturally occurring effusive FIP. We identified FIPV RNA and nucleocapsid protein in T and B lymphocytes and myeloid cells, and subgenomic viral RNA in T cells, demonstrating cell entry and viral genomic replication across multiple immune compartments. Rare FIPV RNA–positive lymphocytes persisted after antiviral treatment cessation and resolution of clinical signs. These findings revise current models of FIPV pathogenesis and reveal new insights into coronavirus-driven immune dysregulation, viral persistence, and relapse. Our study highlights the utility of FIP as a naturally occurring animal model for exploring adaptive immune cell infection in coronavirus diseases, providing a translational platform for understanding virus–host interactions that drive chronic or relapsing immunopathology.
{"title":"Beyond macrophages: FIPV tropism includes T and B lymphocytes","authors":"Aadhavan Balakumar , Patrawin Wanakumjorn , Kazuto Kimura , Ehren McLarty , Katherine Farrell , Terza Brostoff , Jully Pires , Tamar Cohen-Davidyan , Jennifer M. Cassano , Brian Murphy , Krystle Reagan , Amir Kol","doi":"10.1016/j.vetmic.2025.110864","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetmic.2025.110864","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>If untreated, feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease that is caused by feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), a virulent biotype of feline coronavirus (FCoV) that disseminates broadly and triggers severe systemic inflammation. While the prevailing model holds that FIPV selectively infects monocytes/macrophages, the full range of susceptible cell types and the mechanisms of immune cell invasion remain poorly defined. Here, we applied single-cell RNA sequencing, multiplex immunofluorescence, and <em>in situ</em> hybridization to mesenteric lymph node aspirates and formalin fixed and paraffin embedded lymph node tissues from cats with naturally occurring effusive FIP. We identified FIPV RNA and nucleocapsid protein in T and B lymphocytes and myeloid cells, and subgenomic viral RNA in T cells, demonstrating cell entry and viral genomic replication across multiple immune compartments. Rare FIPV RNA–positive lymphocytes persisted after antiviral treatment cessation and resolution of clinical signs. These findings revise current models of FIPV pathogenesis and reveal new insights into coronavirus-driven immune dysregulation, viral persistence, and relapse. Our study highlights the utility of FIP as a naturally occurring animal model for exploring adaptive immune cell infection in coronavirus diseases, providing a translational platform for understanding virus–host interactions that drive chronic or relapsing immunopathology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23551,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary microbiology","volume":"313 ","pages":"Article 110864"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145918560","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-31DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2025.110868
Fanliang Meng , Chenchen Cui , Xinyi Huang , Qianru Zhang , Longshuai Yao , Xuehui Cai , Tongqing An , Gang Wang
Highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV) induces severe thymic atrophy, contributing to immunosuppression in infected piglets. This study investigated the roles of viral nonstructural proteins NSP9 and NSP10 in thymic pathogenesis using chimeric viruses (HC9 and HC10) generated by replacing NSP9/NSP10 of the HP-PRRSV HuN4 strain with those from the classical CH-1a strain. In vitro replication was significantly affected by these swaps, with NSP9 showing a more pronounced effect. In vivo replication kinetics, pathogenicity, and thymus damage were analyzed in piglets inoculated with the HuN4 strain or the chimeric strains. The study found that NSP9 and NSP10 are closely associated with PRRSV replication efficiency and pathogenicity, with NSP9 having a greater impact on thymus atrophy and both NSP9 and NSP10 playing a key role in inducing thymocytes apoptosis. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that HuN4 infection significantly upregulated genes associated with apoptosis, inflammatory responses, and metabolic pathways (e.g., NF-κB, PI3K-Akt, and p53 signaling), while HC9 showed attenuated effects. Flow cytometry confirmed HuN4-induced depletion of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes and dysregulated surface marker expression (CD4). TUNEL assays and apoptosis-related gene profiling further implicated NSP9 in activating both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. Notably, metabolic pathway enrichment suggested crosstalk between apoptosis and energy sensing (e.g., AMPK-mTOR). These findings highlight NSP9 as a critical virulence factor driving thymic atrophy through synergistic immune hyperactivation, apoptotic cascades, and metabolic reprogramming, providing novel insights for PRRSV vaccine design and immunomodulatory strategies.
{"title":"NSP9 is a key virulence determinant in highly pathogenic PRRSV-mediated thymic injury via synergistic activation of apoptotic and metabolic pathways","authors":"Fanliang Meng , Chenchen Cui , Xinyi Huang , Qianru Zhang , Longshuai Yao , Xuehui Cai , Tongqing An , Gang Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.vetmic.2025.110868","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetmic.2025.110868","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV) induces severe thymic atrophy, contributing to immunosuppression in infected piglets. This study investigated the roles of viral nonstructural proteins NSP9 and NSP10 in thymic pathogenesis using chimeric viruses (HC9 and HC10) generated by replacing NSP9/NSP10 of the HP-PRRSV HuN4 strain with those from the classical CH-1a strain. <em>In vitro</em> replication was significantly affected by these swaps, with NSP9 showing a more pronounced effect. <em>In vivo</em> replication kinetics, pathogenicity, and thymus damage were analyzed in piglets inoculated with the HuN4 strain or the chimeric strains. The study found that NSP9 and NSP10 are closely associated with PRRSV replication efficiency and pathogenicity, with NSP9 having a greater impact on thymus atrophy and both NSP9 and NSP10 playing a key role in inducing thymocytes apoptosis. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that HuN4 infection significantly upregulated genes associated with apoptosis, inflammatory responses, and metabolic pathways (e.g., NF-κB, PI3K-Akt, and p53 signaling), while HC9 showed attenuated effects. Flow cytometry confirmed HuN4-induced depletion of CD4<sup>+</sup>CD8<sup>+</sup> thymocytes and dysregulated surface marker expression (CD4). TUNEL assays and apoptosis-related gene profiling further implicated NSP9 in activating both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. Notably, metabolic pathway enrichment suggested crosstalk between apoptosis and energy sensing (e.g., AMPK-mTOR). These findings highlight NSP9 as a critical virulence factor driving thymic atrophy through synergistic immune hyperactivation, apoptotic cascades, and metabolic reprogramming, providing novel insights for PRRSV vaccine design and immunomodulatory strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23551,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary microbiology","volume":"313 ","pages":"Article 110868"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145918577","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-31DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2025.110863
Tao Wang , Liangcai Da , Junfang Zhao , Hong Yuan , Ying Sun , Liang Zhang , Kun Li , Jing Zhang , Pu Sun , Zhixun Zhao , Qiang Zhang , Yuanji Zhang , Yebing Liu , Xingwen Bai , Zengjun Lu
Classical swine fever virus (CSFV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, remains a major pathogen responsible for substantial economic losses in the global swine industry. Autophagy plays a critical role in the life cycle and virulence of CSFV, however, the mechanisms through which the virus regulates autophagy are still not fully understood. In this study, we identified ANXA2, a calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding protein, within autophagy-derived vesicles that facilitate CSFV transmission. We demonstrated that ANXA2 modulates CSFV release in a manner dependent on autophagy. Moreover, multiple lines of evidence, including Western blot, LC3 puncta formation, tandem fluorescence assay, and electron microscopy, consistently showed that ANXA2 promotes CSFV-induced autophagy. Mechanistically, ANXA2 overexpression reduced mTOR phosphorylation, while its knockout increased phosphorylation. Comprehensive binding assays revealed that both ANXA2 and the CSFV envelope protein E2 interact with mTOR with high affinity. Domain mapping further indicated that ANXA2 and E2 bind to distinct regions of mTOR, suggesting a synergistic mechanism for autophagy activation. Confocal microscopy showed that ANXA2 facilitates mTOR accumulation at the plasma membrane during infection. Importantly, relocalizing ANXA2 to mitochondria attenuated CSFV-induced autophagy. Collectively, these results indicate that ANXA2 modulates CSFV-triggered autophagy by controlling mTOR subcellular localization, thereby influencing viral production. This study unveils a novel strategy by which CSFV co-opts the ANXA2–mTOR axis to manipulate autophagic processes, highlighting potential targets for future antiviral interventions.
{"title":"ANXA2 stabilizes mTOR at the plasma membrane to facilitate autophagic flux for CSFV release","authors":"Tao Wang , Liangcai Da , Junfang Zhao , Hong Yuan , Ying Sun , Liang Zhang , Kun Li , Jing Zhang , Pu Sun , Zhixun Zhao , Qiang Zhang , Yuanji Zhang , Yebing Liu , Xingwen Bai , Zengjun Lu","doi":"10.1016/j.vetmic.2025.110863","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetmic.2025.110863","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Classical swine fever virus (CSFV), a member of the <em>Flaviviridae</em> family, remains a major pathogen responsible for substantial economic losses in the global swine industry. Autophagy plays a critical role in the life cycle and virulence of CSFV, however, the mechanisms through which the virus regulates autophagy are still not fully understood. In this study, we identified ANXA2, a calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding protein, within autophagy-derived vesicles that facilitate CSFV transmission. We demonstrated that ANXA2 modulates CSFV release in a manner dependent on autophagy. Moreover, multiple lines of evidence, including Western blot, LC3 puncta formation, tandem fluorescence assay, and electron microscopy, consistently showed that ANXA2 promotes CSFV-induced autophagy. Mechanistically, ANXA2 overexpression reduced mTOR phosphorylation, while its knockout increased phosphorylation. Comprehensive binding assays revealed that both ANXA2 and the CSFV envelope protein E2 interact with mTOR with high affinity. Domain mapping further indicated that ANXA2 and E2 bind to distinct regions of mTOR, suggesting a synergistic mechanism for autophagy activation. Confocal microscopy showed that ANXA2 facilitates mTOR accumulation at the plasma membrane during infection. Importantly, relocalizing ANXA2 to mitochondria attenuated CSFV-induced autophagy. Collectively, these results indicate that ANXA2 modulates CSFV-triggered autophagy by controlling mTOR subcellular localization, thereby influencing viral production. This study unveils a novel strategy by which CSFV co-opts the ANXA2–mTOR axis to manipulate autophagic processes, highlighting potential targets for future antiviral interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23551,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary microbiology","volume":"313 ","pages":"Article 110863"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145885547","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}