Myxoma virus in the European rabbit: interactions between the virus and its susceptible host

Vet Res. 2007 Mar-Apr;38(2):299-318. doi: 10.1051/vetres:2006054. Epub 2007 Feb 13.

Abstract

Myxoma virus (MV) is a poxvirus that evolved in Sylvilagus lagomorphs, and is the causative agent of myxomatosis in European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). This virus is not a natural pathogen of O. cuniculus, yet is able to subvert the host rabbit immune system defenses and cause a highly lethal systemic infection. The interaction of MV proteins and the rabbit immune system has been an ideal model to help elucidate host/poxvirus interactions, and has led to a greater understanding of how other poxvirus pathogens are able to cause disease in their respective hosts. This review will examine how MV causes myxomatosis, by examining a selection of the identified immunomodulatory proteins that this virus expresses to subvert the immune and inflammatory pathways of infected rabbit hosts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • Leukocytes / immunology
  • Myxoma virus / immunology
  • Myxoma virus / isolation & purification*
  • Myxomatosis, Infectious / epidemiology
  • Myxomatosis, Infectious / immunology
  • Myxomatosis, Infectious / pathology
  • Myxomatosis, Infectious / virology*
  • Rabbits / virology*