Respiratory viruses are amongst the greatest threats to global health, with coronaviruses (CoV) causing major human epidemics and pandemics.
In each case, CoV emergence in humans has been associated with zoonotic transmission from animal reservoirs. The pig is a natural host for porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV), with distinct strains causing different levels of morbidity and mortality.
In addition, multiple emerging porcine CoVs are a significant economic burden for the swine industry worldwide. Given the frequent involvement of pigs in zoonotic transmission of other viruses such as influenza, it is essential to understand how porcine CoV infect and are controlled by the pig immune system.
The emergence of novel CoVs with a substantial impact on the pig industry and the detection of porcine deltacoronavirus in humans, indicate the urgent need for a better understanding of the fundamental biology and disease mechanisms of these CoVs.
We have identified PRCV strains that cause very mild or more severe lung pathology and shown that in vitro tracheal organ cultures and primary lung cells can recapitulate features of in vivo infections.
We will create a system to modify PRCV genetic makeup to understand which parts of the Spike protein are crucial for targeting the lungs and airways.
By analysing the genes of the virus and the host immune response at different stages of infection, we will determine what makes the immune system respond either protective or harmful.
We will also evaluate novel vaccine platform displaying either the surface or internal proteins of PRCV to gain insights into the mechanisms of protective immunity.
Understanding porcine CoV pathogenesis and immune responses is critical from a One Health perspective and will transform the control of these viruses, aiding the development of novel vaccines and therapeutics to underpin sustainable agriculture and food standards, and to combat zoonotic events.
Research group
Funding
Collaborators
SpyBiotech, Oxford