The increase of CD4+CD25+ T cells in the peripheral blood of pigs persistently infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

Authors: JINGWEN ZENG, DANTING HE, XIN GUO, XINNA GE, HANCHUN YANG

Abstract: Regulatory T lymphocytes (T-regs) may be involved in suppressing the host's immunity, which is important for viral clearance, and may therefore contribute to persistent viral infection. However, nothing is known regarding the situation of porcine T-regs during persistent infection with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). This study, which used flow cytometry and real-time PCR, determined that the frequencies of CD4+CD25+ T-cells and porcine Forkhead/winged helix transcription factor (FoxP3) mRNA levels in peripheral blood significantly increased during PRRSV persistence, indicating that CD4+CD25+ T-regs might play an important role in PRRSV persistent infection. This study contributes to a better understanding of the immunological basis of PRRSV persistence.

Keywords: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, PRRSV, persistent infection, CD4+CD25+ T-regs, FoxP3

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