Swine model of Bundibugyo and Reston virus infection reveals a robust immune response following the infection: A multi-tissue immune profiling study.

Abstract

Domestic pigs are a vital component of the global food supply, with a population nearing 780 million worldwide, making them one of the most commonly raised livestock. As pig production intensifies, the associated practices and environmental conditions may elevate the risk of emergence and spread of zoonotic agents, including ebolaviruses. Previously, we demonstrated that experimentall infection with Orthoebolavirus bundibugyoense and Orthoebolavirus restonense in pigs caused sub-clinical signs, with only a few animals exhibiting elevated temperatures and limited signs of acute respiratory distress. In this study, we sought to describe immune-related gene exression changes following those viral infections in pigs. Our findings revealed no significant changes in infection- and inflammation-related cytokines, but a strong adaptive immune response was observed in the lungs and tracheobronchial lymph nodes. Comparative analysis with a study in which non-human primates were experimentally infected with Orthoebolavirus bundibugyoense, where the virus is lethal, revealed molecular similarities in gene expression. This may suggest that certain viral processes may be conserved across species. These results highlight the potential role of pigs in ebolavirus spillover dynamics and underscore the importance of understanding the role of livestock in the emergence of these pathogens to guide prevention and mitigation strategies.