Characterization of the IgA response to PRRS virus in pig oral fluids

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is a complex model of host/virus relationship. Disease control measures often includes “acclimatization”, i.e. the exposure of PRRS-naïve gilts and sows to PRRSV-infected pigs and premises before the breeding period. In this respect, we had repeatedly observed an association between PRRSV-specific IgA responses in oral fluids (OF) of gilts and block of PRRSV spread. Therefore, we set out to investigate in vitro the inhibition of PRRSV replication by OF samples with different titers of PRRSV-specific IgA and IgG antibody, using Real-time RT PCR. PRRSV yield reduction in monocyte-derived macrophages was associated with the IgA content in OF samples, whereas the IgG-rich samples were sometimes associated with antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of replication. Accordingly, we could discriminate between ADE-positive and ADE-negative PRRSV strains. Next, we separated Ig isotypes in OF samples of PRRSV-infected pigs by means of protein A and size exclusion chromatography. The above results were confirmed by using separated Ig isotypes. Both dimeric and monomeric IgA were associated with the strongest reduction of PRRSV replication. The treatment of pig macrophages with separated OF antibodies before PRRSV infection was also associated with PRRSV yield reduction, along with clear changes of both CD163 and CD169 surface expression. Our results point at a role of mucosal IgA in the control of PRRSV replication by extra- and/or intracellular interaction with PRRSV, as well as by induction of signals leading to a reduced susceptibility of macrophages to PRRSV infection.