Two distinct polymorphisms in the basic region of Meq protein of marek's disease virus alter pathological progression and clinical manifestations.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Marek's disease virus (MDV) causes Marek's disease (MD) in chickens, which is characterized by malignant lymphomas and neurological disorders. Although MD is currently controlled using live vaccines, the virulence of field strains has continuously increased in recent decades. Polymorphisms in the MDV-encoded oncoprotein Meq are shared among field strains according to their virulence. In particular, very virulent MDV strains harbor characteristic amino acid changes in the basic region of Meq at positions 77 and 80; however, the contribution of these polymorphisms to virulence remains unclear.

Methods

To assess the impact of these polymorphisms on MDV virulence, we generated recombinant MDV (rMDV) based on the very virulent RB-1B strain, harboring K77E and D80Y subs

SUBMITTER: Sato J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12466078 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature