Evaluation of novel recombinant porcine circovirus type 2d (PCV2d) vaccine in pigs naturally infected with PCV2d

Abstract Introduction The pathogenic porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) causes significant economic losses in pig production. Emergence of the PCV2d genotype has been linked with PCV2-associated disease (PCVAD) outbreaks. However, no study has been conducted efficacy of an experimental PCV2d-based subunit vaccine in pigs. Therefore, PCV2b- and PCV2d-based capsid (CP) proteins were generated using a baculovirus (Bac) expression system, and we evaluated the protective immune responses in a commercial pig farm where predominant PCV2d is circulating. Methods Eighteen 3-week-old pigs with maternal antibodies were randomly divided into four groups, and were immunized with purified Bac-2dCP, mixed 1:1 ratio with purified Bac-2bCP and Bac-2dCP (Bac-mCP), a commercial PCV2a-based subunit vaccine (VAC) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as controls. Results The Bac-2dCP and Bac-mCP groups had significantly higher PCV2b- or PCV2d- specific IgG and neutralizing antibody without interference by maternal antibody compared to control group in pigs naturally infected with PCV2d. Interestingly, not only serum IL-4 level was significantly increased in the Bac-2dCP group, but also PCV2d viremia level was significantly reduced than the control group. Conclusions The recombinant Bac-2dCP subunit vaccine is a good candidate for the effective reduction against PCV2d infection.