Author
BIRCH, JAMIE - Pirbright Laboratory | |
JULEFF, NICKOLAS - Pirbright Laboratory | |
Heaton, Michael - Mike | |
KALBFLEISCH, TED - University Of Louisville | |
KIJAS, JAMES - Commonwealth Scientific And Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) | |
BAILEY, DALAN - Pirbright Laboratory |
Submitted to: Journal of Virology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 1/31/2013 Publication Date: 2/6/2013 Citation: Birch, J., Juleff, N., Heaton, M.P., Kalbfleisch, T., Kijas, J., Bailey, D. 2013. Characterization of ovine Nectin-4, a novel peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) receptor. Journal of Virology. 87(8):4756-4761. Interpretive Summary: Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), also known as ovine rinderpest, is a fast growing and economically important disease of sheep and goats in developing countries. PPR is caused by a highly contagious virus that may kill up to 90% of the affected flock. The disease is currently found across Africa, the Middle-East, the Indian subcontinent and is spreading. Understanding the mechanisms by which the virus attacks small ruminants is important for controlling and preventing the spread of disease. Our study confirmed the identity and function of the PPR virus receptors in allowing infection in sheep. We also showed there are differences between sheep in their PPR virus receptors, although the effect of these differences are presently unknown. Technical Abstract: Small ruminants infected with peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) exhibit lesions typical of epithelial infection and necrosis. However, the only established host receptor for this virus is the immune cell marker signalling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM). We have confirmed that the ovine Nectin-4 protein, when over-expressed in epithelial cells, permits efficient replication of PPRV. Furthermore, this gene was predominantly expressed in epithelial tissues and encoded by multiple haplotypes in sheep breeds from around the world. |