Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2)

Porcine circovirus type 2 is a small, non-enveloped icosahedral virus (17–21 nm diameter) with a circular single-stranded DNA genome of 1766–1768 nucleotides encoding several proteins, notably the capsid protein (Cap) and replication-associated proteins (Rep, Rep′). It is responsible for a wide spectrum of syndromes collectively termed porcine circovirus-associated diseases (PCVAD), causing significant economic loss in swine production globally. Infection leads to immunosuppression, lymphoid depletion, granulomatous inflammation, and can predispose pigs to secondary infections. The Cap protein is highly immunogenic and is used as the antigen in PCV2 vaccines to prevent disease. PCV2 evolves rapidly, leading to multiple genotypes (PCV2a–PCV2e), and remains a persistent challenge for swine health due to its ability to cause chronic, multi-organ disease and adapt to control measures

Other names

PCV2Porcine circovirus 2Porcine circovirus type IICircovirus type 2

Induction of protective immunity (antibody and cellular responses) via presentation of viral capsid antigen (Cap) to the swine immune system; Cap-based VLP vaccines trigger neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated immunity that block infection and limit disease