Work

Application of Bovine Nasal Epithelial Cells as an In Vitro Model for Studying Viral Infection in the Upper Respiratory Tract

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) is a multifactorial and globally prevalent condition involving a combination of viral and bacterial pathogens, as well as environmental stressors. Viral agents often initiate infections in the upper respiratory tract (URT), predisposing animals to secondary bacterial infections and severe clinical manifestations. Among the key viral contributors to BRDC are bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1). In this study, submerged liquid cultures of undifferentiated bovine nasal epithelial cells (BNECs) were employed to investigate mono- and co-infections with BVDV and BHV-1. Epithelial barrier integrity was assessed to evaluate the cytopathic effects of BHV-1, while viral replication and release were quantified. Both viruses demonstrated polarized release, and BHV-1 infection exhibited a pronounced cytopathic effect. Notably, a preceding BVDV infection did not alter the progression or outcome of BHV-1 infection in this in vitro model. These findings suggest that primary BNEC cultures represent a valuable and physiologically relevant tool for studying viral dynamics and interactions associated with BRDC.

Source: Viruses

DOI: 10.3390/v17091188

Authors: Malte Pitters, Henrik Fritsch, Ang Su, Klaus Jung, Paul Becher

Institution: University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation

Language: English

Topic: Animal Virus Infections Studies

Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137