Molecular basis for replication of swine influenza viruses

2020 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K05975
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 42020:Veterinary medical science-related
• Research Institution: Kagoshima University
• Principal Investigator: OZAWA Makoto 鹿児島大学, 農水産獣医学域獣医学系, 准教授 (50568722)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2021-03-31
• Keywords: インフルエンザウイルス / 豚 / 増殖性 / 分子基盤

Outline of Final Research Achievements

To clarify virological characteristics of swine influenza viruses that are relevant to both animal and public health, the molecular basis for viral replication in swine cells was investigated using a molecular technique for artificial generation of viruses. The results revealed that all eight viral gene segments (not just the four required for viral polymerase activity) are critical for viral replication in swine cells. The results also suggest that swine influenza virus variants with a genetic constellation conferring remarkable replication ability in swine cells have become dominant in nature.

Free Research Field

ウイルス学、動物衛生学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

豚インフルエンザウイルスは畜産衛生と公衆衛生の両面において重要な病原体であり、その特性の解明は社会的命題のひとつだが、ヒトの季節性インフルエンザウイルスや高病原性鳥インフルエンザウイルスと異なり、その分子レベルの基礎研究はほとんど進められていない。本研究で得られた豚インフルエンザウイルスのウイルス学的特性に関する新知見は、サーベイランスやワクチン開発など、様々な分野での応用が期待できる。