Research progress on NSP4 protein of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus.

Abstract

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), caused by the PRRS virus (PRRSV), is a prevalent swine pathogen that results in reproductive and respiratory issues. The non-structural protein 4 (NSP4) of PRRSV is a 3C-like serine enzyme with a vital triad (His39-Asp64-Ser118), which is crucial for cleaving viral polyproteins pp1a and pp1ab to yield operational non-structural proteins (NSP3-NSP12). In addition to its role in viral replication, NSP4 suppresses interferon production and triggers host cellular apoptosis, thereby facilitating immune evasion and disease progression. This review provides insights into the structure and function of NSP4, which provide perspectives for enhancing PRRS management strategies and formulating more potent vaccines.