Genomics in the EPIZONE network to effectively control animal diseases

The Network of Excellence for Epizootic Disease Diagnosis and Control, EPIZONE, is a European Union (EU) funded research project that started in June 2006. The goal of EPIZONE is to improve research on epizootic diseases within Europe. Its aim is to reduce the economic and social impact of future outbreaks of epizootic infectious diseases in domestic livestock by collaborating research and increasing its excellence.

ABGC participation in the EPIZONE network is centred on microarray technology. In cooperation with partners working within the theme 'diagnostics', and in conjunction with the Central Veterinary Institute of Wageningen UR (CVI), a pan-viral DNA microarray for the detection of viruses affecting livestock populations has been developed. The rapid detection of new virus genotypes, and unknown (re)emerging viruses, using this type of microarray will improve control measurements and may prevent large outbreaks of disease in animals.

With its experience in functional genomics studies, within the theme 'intervention strategy', ABGC also participates in the work package 'host response to infection'. Together with CVI, several microarray studies have been performed to gain more knowledge about the mechanisms and protection indicators that are important for optimising vaccine strategies.

One example is the measurement of transcriptional response in pigs' skin after intra-dermal vaccination with FMDV vaccine. This  produced a set of immunological indicators/biomarkers which can be used for testing the efficacy of skin-applied vaccines in general.

In another study, the response to CSFV in the tonsils and neck lymph nodes of pigs was measured after oral infection with highly, moderately, and low virulent strains. This study provided knowledge about how CSFV manipulates and evades pigs' antiviral defense mechanisms (e.g. apoptosis in immune cells).

To spread this 'functional genomics' knowledge among other disciplines, in particular, among vaccine and adjuvant technologies, the results of these studies were presented and discussed at the annual autumn 'intervention strategies' meeting held in Madrid this year.