Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus is one of the fastest-mutating RNA viruses that veterinarians face. Although current vaccines offer protection, the rapid mutation of PRRSV means that vaccinated pigs cannot produce a consistent or effective broadly neutralizing antibody response. Current vaccines are successful in helping the body identify and attack pieces of the PRRSV virus that aren’t mutating.
Vaccines work by stimulating the body to produce antibodies and T cells against the pathogen so the immune system can identify and destroy it before it gains a foothold to cause clinical disease. In rapidly mutating PRRS strains, new research showed that T cells are doing the heavy lifting, not the antibodies.
Source: National Hog Farmer, November 17, 2025. Link.
This study is an important foundational step in that direction. Hopefully we will soon be able to produce more broadly effective vaccines against PRRSV.”
Image: Link.