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Veterinary immunology and immunopathology2006; 111(1-2); 15-30; doi: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2006.01.005

The equine immune response to equine herpesvirus-1: the virus and its vaccines.

Abstract: Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) is an alphaherpesvirus which infects horses, causing respiratory and neurological disease and abortion in pregnant mares. Latency is established in trigeminal ganglia and lymphocytes. Immunity to EHV-1 lasts between 3 and 6 months. Current vaccines, many of which contain inactivated virus, have reduced the incidence of abortion storms in pregnant mares but individual animals, which may be of high commercial value, remain susceptible to infection. The development of effective vaccines which stimulate both humoral and cellular immune responses remains a priority. Utilising data generated following experimental and field infections of the target species, this review describes the immunopathogenesis of EHV-1 and the interaction between the horse's immune system and this virus, both in vivo and in vitro, and identifies immune responses, highlighting those which have been associated with protective immunity. It then goes on to recount a brief history of vaccination, outlines factors likely to influence the outcome of vaccine administration and describes the immune response stimulated by a selection of commercial and experimental vaccines. Finally, based on the available data, a rational strategy designed to stimulate protective immune responses by vaccination is outlined.
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Publication Date: 2006-02-14 PubMed ID: 16476492DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2006.01.005Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

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.

Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) is a disease that affects horses resulting in respiratory and neurological issues, and causing abortion in pregnant horses. The solution to tackle EHV-1 is the development of effective vaccines that can stimulate both the horse’s humoral and cellular immune responses. The study discusses the immune responses of horses to EHV-1, the efficiency of current vaccines, and explores the possibility of creating a stronger vaccine that ensures long-lasting immunity.

Immunopathogenesis of EHV-1

  • Immunity to EHV-1 lasts for about 3 to 6 months. The virus causes both latency and active infections in horses.
  • In its inactive form, the virus settles in the horse’s trigeminal ganglia – a group of nerve cells close to the ear – and lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.
  • The study presents all the available data regarding the pathogenesis of EHV-1. It focuses on how the horse’s immune system reacts to the virus. The authors also explore the effects of both in-vivo and in-vitro infections.

Effectiveness of Current Vaccines

  • Current EHV-1 vaccines are largely comprised of inactivated viruses. These vaccines have seen success in reducing the widespread abortion in pregnant mares.
  • Despite its effectiveness, these vaccines do not grant full immunity. Individual horses, some of which are high in commercial value, are still susceptible to the disease.
  • The authors have identified the need for more potent vaccines, those that can stimulate both humoral (the part of the immunity that involves substances secreted by the cells) and cellular immune responses of the horses.

A Look at the History of Vaccination

  • The authors briefly cover the history and evolution of vaccines, highlighting the factors that influence the outcome of vaccine administration.
  • They also describe the immune response stimulated by a selection of both commercial and experimental vaccines, shedding light on the success and the shortcomings of each.

A Rational Strategy for Future Vaccinations

  • Finally, the authors suggest a rationalised strategy for future vaccinations based on the identified data. This strategy would ideally involve the development of enhanced vaccines that would induce protective immunity in horses against EHV-1.
  • By focusing on creating a vaccine that triggers both humoral and cellular immune responses, the article envisions better protection for horses against the disease.

Cite This Article

APA
Kydd JH, Townsend HG, Hannant D. (2006). The equine immune response to equine herpesvirus-1: the virus and its vaccines. Vet Immunol Immunopathol, 111(1-2), 15-30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetimm.2006.01.005

Publication

Veterinary immunology and immunopathology
ISSN: 0165-2427
NlmUniqueID: 8002006
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 111
Issue: 1-2
Pages: 15-30

Researcher Affiliations

Kydd, Julia H
  • Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, United Kingdom. julia.kydd@aht.org.uk
Townsend, Hugh G G
    Hannant, Duncan

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Antibodies, Viral / blood
      • Female
      • Herpesviridae Infections / immunology
      • Herpesviridae Infections / prevention & control
      • Herpesviridae Infections / veterinary
      • Herpesviridae Infections / virology
      • Herpesvirus 1, Equid / immunology
      • Herpesvirus Vaccines / immunology
      • Herpesvirus Vaccines / therapeutic use
      • Horse Diseases / immunology
      • Horse Diseases / prevention & control
      • Horse Diseases / virology
      • Horses
      • Pregnancy
      • Vaccination / veterinary

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