The myxovirus resistance gene (Mx1) has a broad spectrum of antiviral activities. It is therefore an interestingcandidate gene to improve disease resistance in farm animals. In this study, we report the use of somatic...The myxovirus resistance gene (Mx1) has a broad spectrum of antiviral activities. It is therefore an interestingcandidate gene to improve disease resistance in farm animals. In this study, we report the use of somatic cellnuclear transfer (SCNT) to produce transgenic pigs over-expressing the Mx1 gene. These transgenic pigs expressapproximately 15–25 times more Mx1 mRNA than non-transgenic pigs, and the protein level of Mx1 was alsomarkedly enhanced. We challenged fibroblast cells isolated from the ear skin of transgenic and control pigs withinfluenza A virus and classical swine fever virus (CFSV). Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) revealed a profounddecrease of influenza A proliferation in Mx1 transgenic cells. Growth kinetics showed an approximately 10-foldreduction of viral copies in the transgenic cells compared to non-transgenic controls. Additionally, we found thatthe Mx1 transgenic cells were more resistant to CSFV infection in comparison to non-transgenic cells. These resultsdemonstrate that the Mx1 transgene can protect against viral infection in cells of transgenic pigs and indicate thatthe Mx1 transgene can be harnessed to develop disease-resistant pigs.展开更多
基金This work was supported by grants from National Basic Research Program of China(973 program)(2011CB944203)ZNGI-2011-010 from the Guangzhou Municipality and the Chinese Academy and Sciences to L.L.
文摘The myxovirus resistance gene (Mx1) has a broad spectrum of antiviral activities. It is therefore an interestingcandidate gene to improve disease resistance in farm animals. In this study, we report the use of somatic cellnuclear transfer (SCNT) to produce transgenic pigs over-expressing the Mx1 gene. These transgenic pigs expressapproximately 15–25 times more Mx1 mRNA than non-transgenic pigs, and the protein level of Mx1 was alsomarkedly enhanced. We challenged fibroblast cells isolated from the ear skin of transgenic and control pigs withinfluenza A virus and classical swine fever virus (CFSV). Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) revealed a profounddecrease of influenza A proliferation in Mx1 transgenic cells. Growth kinetics showed an approximately 10-foldreduction of viral copies in the transgenic cells compared to non-transgenic controls. Additionally, we found thatthe Mx1 transgenic cells were more resistant to CSFV infection in comparison to non-transgenic cells. These resultsdemonstrate that the Mx1 transgene can protect against viral infection in cells of transgenic pigs and indicate thatthe Mx1 transgene can be harnessed to develop disease-resistant pigs.
