Novel Potent IFN-γ–Inducing CD8+ T Cell Epitopes Conserved among Diverse Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Strains

Abstract Studies of immune responses elicited by bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) vaccines have primarily focused on the characterization neutralizing B cell and CD4+ T epitopes. Despite availability commercial for decades, BVDV prevalence in cattle has remained largely unaffected. There is limited knowledge regarding role BVDV-specific CD8+ cells protection, indirect evidence suggests that they play a crucial during infection. In this study, presence are highly cross-reactive was demonstrated. Most importantly, novel potent IFN-γ–inducing epitopes were identified from different regions polyprotein. Eight following structural Ags: Erns, E1, E2 glycoproteins. addition, nonstructural Ags Npro, NS2-3, NS4A-B, NS5A-B, 20 identified. The majority these found to be conserved among more than 200 strains BVDV-1 -2 genotypes. These also validated as because induced high recall IFN-γ+CD8+ ex vivo purified isolated BVDV-1– -2–immunized cattle. Altogether, 28 MHC class I–binding key can elicit broadly reactive against diverse strains. data presented study will lay groundwork development contemporary cell–based vaccine capable addressing heterogeneity effectively current vaccines.