Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)

PRRSV is a highly variable, enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the family Arteriviridae, causing the economically significant porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome in swine. It is classified as two distinct species: Betaarterivirus suid 1 (PRRSV-1; European-type) and Betaarterivirus suid 2 (PRRSV-2; North American-type), distinguished by genetic and antigenic diversity. PRRSV infects primarily porcine alveolar macrophages and monocytes through well-characterized receptors such as CD163 and sialoadhesin. The viral genome encodes non-structural proteins essential for replication and structural proteins (GP2, GP4, GP5) key to host interaction and immune response. Control is hampered by rapid viral mutation, immune evasion, and incomplete vaccine protection; currently, live attenuated and modified live virus vaccines are the principal interventions, but they carry notable safety and efficacy concerns. PRRSV is a pathogen target in the context of infectious disease control in veterinary medicine. However, it does not fit the canonical definition of a therapeutic molecular target (such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter), so the entry is considered imperfect for strict molecular target databases.

Other names

PRRS virusBlue-ear pig disease virusBetaarterivirus suid 1 (PRRSV-1)Betaarterivirus suid 2 (PRRSV-2)Lelystad virus (prototype European strain)North American PRRSV

Vaccines stimulate host immune system to produce neutralizing antibodies and cell-mediated immunity against PRRSV antigens, primarily targeting envelope glycoproteins (e.g., GP5, GP4). Antivirals (in development) may inhibit viral replication enzymes (RNA-dependent RNA polymerase or proteases) or block virus entry via its interaction with host cell receptors (CD163, sialoadhesin).