Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) replication at the upper respiratory entry site is inhibited by neutralizing EHV-1-specific IgG1 and IgG4/7 mucosal antibodies.
Abstract: Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) is a contagious respiratory pathogen that infects the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract (URT). Mucosal immune responses at the URT provide the first line of defense against EHV-1 and are crucial for orchestrating immunity. To define host-pathogen interactions, we characterized B-cell responses, antibody isotype functions, and EHV-1 replication of susceptible (non-immune) and clinically protected (immune) horses after experimental EHV-1 infection. Nasal secretion and nasal wash samples were collected and used for the isolation of DNA, RNA, and mucosal antibodies. Shedding of infectious virus, EHV-1 copy numbers, viral RNA expression, and host B-cell activation in the URT were compared based on host immune status. Mucosal EHV-1-specific antibody responses were associated with EHV-1 shedding and viral RNA transcription. Finally, mucosal immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA isotypes were purified and tested for neutralizing capabilities. IgG1 and IgG4/7 neutralized EHV-1, while IgG3/5, IgG6, and IgA did not. Immune horses secreted high amounts of mucosal EHV-1-specific IgG4/7 antibodies and quickly upregulated B-cell pathway genes, while EHV-1 was undetected by virus isolation and PCR. RNA transcription analysis reinforced incomplete viral replication in immune horses. In contrast, complete viral replication with high viral copy numbers and shedding of infectious viruses was characteristic for non-immune horses, together with low or absent EHV-1-specific neutralizing antibodies during viral replication. These data confirm that pre-existing mucosal IgG1 and IgG4/7 and rapid B-cell activation upon EHV-1 infection are essential for virus neutralization, regulation of viral replication, and mucosal immunity against EHV-1.IMPORTANCEEquine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) causes respiratory disease, abortion storms, and neurologic outbreaks known as equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM). EHV-1 is transmitted with respiratory secretions by nose-to-nose contact or via fomites. The virus initially infects the epithelium of the upper respiratory tract (URT). Host-pathogen interactions and mucosal immunity at the viral entry site provide the first line of defense against the EHV-1. Robust mucosal immunity can be essential in protecting against EHV-1 and to reduce EHM outbreaks. It has previously been shown that immune horses do not establish cell-associated viremia, the prerequisite for EHM. Here, we demonstrate how mucosal antibodies can prevent the replication of EHV-1 at the epithelium of the URT and, thereby, the progression of the virus to the peripheral blood. The findings improve the mechanistic understanding of mucosal immunity against EHV-1 and can support the development of enhanced diagnostic tools, vaccines against EHM, and the management of EHV-1 outbreaks.
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Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) replication in the upper respiratory tract is inhibited by specific mucosal antibodies, particularly IgG1 and IgG4/7. Immune horses exhibit rapid B-cell responses and produce these neutralizing antibodies, preventing viral replication and shedding, whereas non-immune horses show extensive viral replication and low antibody response.
Background and Importance
EHV-1 is a contagious virus causing respiratory illness, abortion, and neurological disease (equine herpes myeloencephalopathy) in horses.
The virus spreads through respiratory secretions and initially infects the epithelial cells of the upper respiratory tract (URT).
Mucosal immunity at the URT entry site serves as the first line of defense by controlling viral replication and spread.
Understanding mucosal immune responses against EHV-1 is crucial for preventing disease progression and outbreaks.
Current research aims to identify which antibody types and immune mechanisms effectively neutralize the virus at this site.
Research Objective
To characterize B-cell mediated immune responses and antibody isotypes in the URT of susceptible (non-immune) and immune horses following experimental EHV-1 infection.
To determine the relationship between mucosal antibody types and the inhibition of EHV-1 replication and viral shedding.
To compare viral replication dynamics, host immune activation, and antibody neutralizing capabilities between immune and non-immune horses.
Methods
Experimental infection of both immune (previously exposed) and non-immune horses with EHV-1.
Collection of nasal secretions and nasal wash samples from the horses’ upper respiratory tract.
Isolation of DNA, RNA, and mucosal antibodies from these samples to assess:
Viral shedding (infectious virus presence)
Viral DNA copy numbers via PCR
Viral RNA expression (transcription)
Host B-cell activation markers
Purification of mucosal immunoglobulin isotypes (IgG1, IgG3/5, IgG4/7, IgG6, and IgA) for neutralization assays against EHV-1.
Key Findings
Immune horses had undetectable or very low levels of viral replication and shedding, confirmed by negative virus isolation and PCR results.
Non-immune horses exhibited high viral DNA copy numbers, active viral RNA transcription, and significant shedding of infectious virus.
Mucosal antibodies IgG1 and IgG4/7 were found to effectively neutralize EHV-1, while other isotypes (IgG3/5, IgG6, IgA) did not show such neutralization capabilities.
Immune horses secreted high levels of EHV-1-specific IgG4/7 antibodies in the nasal mucosa and rapidly upregulated genes involved in B-cell activation pathways.
Non-immune horses lacked sufficient mucosal neutralizing antibodies during the peak of viral replication, highlighting vulnerability to virus spread.
RNA transcription analyses indicated incomplete viral replication in immune horses, supporting the protective role of mucosal immunity.
Implications
Pre-existing mucosal IgG1 and IgG4/7 antibodies are critical for early neutralization of EHV-1 at the virus entry site in the URT.
Rapid activation of mucosal B-cells upon infection enhances protective immunity, preventing both viral replication locally and systemic dissemination.
This study reinforces the importance of mucosal immunity in controlling EHV-1 infections, potentially blocking progression to viremia and neurological disease.
Findings could direct the development of improved vaccines targeting mucosal immune responses, aiming to reduce the incidence of EHM outbreaks.
The results also offer insights for enhanced diagnostic tools to monitor mucosal antibody responses and infection status in horses.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that specific mucosal IgG1 and IgG4/7 antibodies effectively neutralize EHV-1 replication in the upper respiratory tract.
Immune horses control viral infection by rapid activation of B-cells and producing neutralizing antibodies, whereas non-immune horses show uncontrolled viral replication.
Understanding these host-pathogen interactions at the mucosal level facilitates better management of EHV-1 infection and informs vaccine strategies to prevent severe disease outcomes.
Cite This Article
APA
Eady NA, Holmes C, Schnabel C, Babasyan S, Wagner B.
(2024).
Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) replication at the upper respiratory entry site is inhibited by neutralizing EHV-1-specific IgG1 and IgG4/7 mucosal antibodies.
J Virol, 98(6), e0025024.
https://doi.org/10.1128/jvi.00250-24
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