Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati have unveiled a significant discovery regarding the biochemistry of the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV). Their study focused on the p30 protein, revealing its crucial role in the virus’s infection mechanism and its RNA-degrading activity, which is essential for ASFV survival.
Under the guidance of Prof. Sachin Kumar, a team of research scholars, including Satyendu Nandy, Nilave Ranjan Bora, and Shubham Gaurav, investigated the proteins present in ASFV’s outer membrane. Their research, published in the esteemed journal Virology, aimed to enhance understanding of how these proteins facilitate infection and help the virus evade the host’s immune system. This knowledge is vital for developing effective treatments and vaccines.
“Our ongoing research into ASFV aims to uncover the functional roles of proteins like p30, which are integral to the virus’s ability to infect and evade the host’s immune response,” stated Prof. Sachin Kumar from the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering at IIT Guwahati.
The research team had previously identified epitopic domains on the p30 protein that activate the host’s immune system. These domains are crucial for recognising and combating the virus. The latest study delved deeper into the p30 protein’s functionalities, particularly its RNase-like activity.
RNase (ribonuclease) enzymes degrade RNA into smaller components. In viruses, RNases are rare but significant as they help evade immune defences by breaking down the host’s RNA. Prof. Kumar elaborated on their methodology, explaining, “In our study, RNA extracted from mammalian cells was exposed to the p30 protein to analyse its RNase activity. We employed methods such as electrophoresis and fluorimetry to quantify the extent of RNA degradation by p30.”
The researchers discovered that the RNA-degrading ability of the p30 protein depends on its concentration and duration of exposure. Released in a soluble form in ASFV-infected cells, this protein could assist the virus in altering host cell functions, thereby promoting its survival. Altering the amino acid from cysteine to alanine in p30 resulted in the loss of its RNA-degrading activity, providing further insight into its mechanism.
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Understanding the impact of the p30 protein on host cell RNA highlights how ASFV manipulates cellular functions to survive and spread. This knowledge could pave the way for future research into therapies targeting these viral mechanisms, potentially leading to new methods for combating ASFV infections.
The research group acknowledges that several critical questions remain, including the precise role of p30 in ASFV infection in pigs and whether its RNase activity targets specific host RNA molecules. Future studies are planned to address these aspects.
Notably, the team has also achieved technology transfer to roll out the first recombinant vaccine for Swine Fever Virus, showcasing their commitment to advancing ASFV research and control strategies.
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