shRNA targeting nonstructural protein inhibits the replication of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus

Abstract

Aim: To explore whether shRNA targeting nonstructural protein (NSs) of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) could inhibit SFTSV replication in Vero cells. Materials & methods: SFTSV used in this experiment was propagated in Vero cells and stored at -20°C. shRNA plasmid against NSs of SFTSV was transfected to Vero cells and infected with SFTSV, after which western blotting and tissue culture infective dose (TCID50) were used to measure the virus titers. Results: shRNA against NSs protein decreased the expression of NSs and inhibited the replication of SFTSV. Conclusion: The constructed SFTSV NSs-shRNA plasmid could inhibit the replication of SFTSV. It was concluded that SFTSV NSs-shRNA could inhibit virus replication for at least 72 h. shRNA-mediated antiviral effects were dose-dependent.