This manuscript focuses on the advances made using genomic approaches to identify
biomarkers that define genes and pathways that are correlated with swine resistance to
infection with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), the most economically important swine viral pathogen worldwide. International efforts are underway to assess resistance and susceptibility to infectious pathogens using tools such as gene arrays, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) chips, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), proteomics, and advanced bioinformatics. These studies should identify new candidate genes and
biological pathways associated with host
PRRS resistance and alternate
viral disease processes and mechanisms; they may unveil
biomarkers that account for genetic control of
PRRS or, alternately, that reveal new targets for
therapeutics or
vaccines. Previous genomic approaches have expanded our understanding of quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling traits of economic importance in pig production, e.g., feed efficiency, meat production,
leanness; only recently have these included health traits and
disease resistance. Genomic studies should have substantial impact for the pig industry since it is now possible to include the use of
biomarkers for basic health traits alongside broader set of markers utilized for selection of pigs for improved performance and reproductive traits, as well as pork quality. Additionally these studies may reveal alternate
PRRS control mechanisms that can be exploited for novel drugs, biotherapeutics and
vaccine designs.