The immune response to bovine viral diarrhea virus: a constantly changing picture

Since the last comprehensive review of this subject in 1995 {[}1], probably no field of bovine viral diarrhea Virus (BVDV) research has evolved more quickly than immunology. The interaction of bovine viral diarrhea virus with both innate and adaptive immunity is clearer now than ever before. However, with each new discovery in the field of immunology, our understanding of the host immune response to BVDV lags behind. In this review we have tried to add to the knowledge of the interaction of BVDV and the bovine immune response and its application to BVDV control. The ability to cross the placenta of susceptible pregnant animals and cause a variety of fetal infections is the most important evidence of the Success of BVDV in the evasion of the host immune system. Transient immunosuppression occurs in acutely infected animals. BVDV infects cells pivotal in control of the innate and acquired immune response. These cells include granulocytes, macrophages, antigen-presenting myeloid cells, CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-lymphocytes and B cells. We will discuss each of these components in greater detail.