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Veterinary microbiology2013; 167(1-2); 123-134; doi: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.06.018

Equine herpesviruses type 1 (EHV-1) and 4 (EHV-4)–masters of co-evolution and a constant threat to equids and beyond.

Abstract: The equine herpesviruses type 1 (EHV-1) and 4 (EHV-4) are ubiquitous pathogens that affect horse populations on all continents. Despite widespread vaccination, EHV-1 and EHV-4 infections remain a permanent risk. While the two viruses share a high degree of genetic and antigenic similarity, they differ significantly in host range and pathogenicity. Compared to EHV-4, which mainly infects horses and causes respiratory disease, EHV-1 has a broader host range and can result in respiratory disease, abortions, neonatal death, and equine herpesvirusmyeloencephalopathy (EHM). Recent studies have elucidated a number of mechanisms that may, at least partly, explain the differential pathogenic potential of the two viruses. While both EHV-1 and EHV-4 can escape host immune responses and establish latent infection, there are differences with respect to virus entry and their ability to interfere with the innate immune response. Understanding the virus' repertoire of immunomodulatory mechanisms may lead the way to develop more efficient vaccines.
Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V.
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Publication Date: 2013-07-06 PubMed ID: 23890672DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.06.018Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article examines equine herpesviruses type 1 (EHV-1) and 4 (EHV-4), focusing on their genetic similarities, differences in host range and pathogenicity, as well as their mechanisms of immunomodulation and their potential impact on future vaccine development.

About equine herpesviruses type 1 and 4

  • Equine herpesviruses type 1 (EHV-1) and 4 (EHV-4) are widespread pathogens that pose a consistent threat to horse populations worldwide, despite the presence of vaccination programs.
  • The two viruses share a large degree of genetic and antigenic similarity, but there are significant differences in their host range and pathogenicity.

Differences in Host Range and Pathogenicity

  • EHV-4 mainly affects horses and primarily results in respiratory disease.
  • On the other hand, EHV-1 has a larger host range and can cause not only respiratory disease, but also abortions, neonatal death, and equine herpesvirusmyeloencephalopathy (EHM), a neurological condition.

Mechanisms of Pathogenicity

  • Recent research has shed light on multiple mechanisms that could explain the differences in pathogenic potential of EHV-1 and EHV-4.
  • While both viruses can elude host immune responses and establish a latent infection, there’s variability in terms of virus entry and the ability to interfere with the host’s innate immune response.

Potential for Vaccine Development

  • The research underscores the importance of comprehending the viruses’ immune evasion strategies to potentially develop more efficient vaccines.
  • Better understanding of these immunomodulatory mechanisms might improve the efficacy of current vaccination practices and guide the formulation of future vaccines against these powerful equine pathogens.

Cite This Article

APA
Ma G, Azab W, Osterrieder N. (2013). Equine herpesviruses type 1 (EHV-1) and 4 (EHV-4)–masters of co-evolution and a constant threat to equids and beyond. Vet Microbiol, 167(1-2), 123-134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.06.018

Publication

Veterinary microbiology
ISSN: 1873-2542
NlmUniqueID: 7705469
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 167
Issue: 1-2
Pages: 123-134
PII: S0378-1135(13)00332-5

Researcher Affiliations

Ma, Guanggang
  • Institut für Virologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany.
Azab, Walid
    Osterrieder, Nikolaus

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Herpesviridae Infections / immunology
      • Herpesviridae Infections / pathology
      • Herpesviridae Infections / prevention & control
      • Herpesviridae Infections / veterinary
      • Herpesviridae Infections / virology
      • Herpesvirus 1, Equid / classification
      • Herpesvirus 1, Equid / genetics
      • Herpesvirus 1, Equid / immunology
      • Herpesvirus 1, Equid / physiology
      • Herpesvirus 4, Equid / classification
      • Herpesvirus 4, Equid / genetics
      • Herpesvirus 4, Equid / immunology
      • Herpesvirus 4, Equid / physiology
      • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
      • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
      • Horse Diseases / pathology
      • Horse Diseases / prevention & control
      • Horse Diseases / virology
      • Horses
      • Virus Internalization

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