FIVM Presents: Chasing virus evolution

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus 2 (PRRSV-2) causes interstitial pneumonia in adults and fetal death in domestic pigs, causing huge losses every year to the swine industry worldwide. One of the foremost challenges to PRRSV control is its genetic and antigenic diversity that has resulted from its exceptionally high rate of evolution. The consequence of the rapid diversification of this virus is that successful PRRSV control often seems like a moving target. On Friday, January 19, Dr. Kimberly VanderWaal will present highlights of her group’s recent work aimed at unraveling the dynamic landscape of PRRSV-2 genetic variants and lineages, shedding light on their emergence, antigenicity, immune-mediated evolution and potential immune escape, and patterns of spread. Their findings illuminate mechanisms driving the continual evolution of PRRSV-2, including mutation, recombination, and selection pressures from host immune responses that drive changes at viral epitopes.  Additionally, she will examine the potential role of immunity in shaping the emergence of novel PRRSV-2 variants, highlighting the intricate interplay between the virus and host immune system. This work underscores the importance of large-scale sequence analysis in elucidating the complex dynamics of PRRSV-2, offering valuable insights for the development of strategies to mitigate its impact on the swine industry and animal health.

Dr. VanderWaal is an Associate Professor in the Department of Veterinary Population Medicine in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota. Her research aims to understand the dynamics of pathogen spread through animal populations, focusing on quantifying underlying drivers and overarching consequences of host and pathogen heterogeneity for disease transmission. By applying quantitative tools to elucidate and predict disease dynamics, the ultimate outcome of this research aims to facilitate data-informed decision making, enhance disease preparedness, and optimize surveillance and control measures.