# The biological functions of PRRSV nonstructural protein NSP2 in viral infection and replication and its role in host regulatory mechanisms

**Authors:** Zhenzhen Zheng, Mengsi Zhang, Yue Zhang, Hewei Zhang, Jingqiang Ren

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2026.1746188 · Frontiers in Veterinary Science · 2026-03-13

## TL;DR

This review explores the role of PRRSV's NSP2 protein in viral replication and immune evasion, offering insights into its impact on swine health.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive summary of NSP2's functions in PRRSV's life cycle and host interactions.

## Key findings

- NSP2 is the most variable PRRSV protein and plays a key role in viral replication and immune modulation.
- The protein interacts with viral and host proteins to influence virulence and immune evasion.
- Understanding NSP2's functions offers a framework for studying PRRSV pathogenesis.

## Abstract

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a single-stranded, positive-sense arterivirus that causes reproductive and respiratory disorders in sows. It is one of the most important pathogens affecting the global swine industry and is widespread worldwide. To date, PRRSV continues to undergo mutation and evolution. NSP2, as the largest non-structural protein generated via proteolytic cleavage of viral polyproteins, has the highest sequence variability among all PRRSV proteins. It cooperates with other non-structural proteins to orchestrate viral replication and modulate host immune responses. This review systematically summarizes the multifaceted functions of NSP2 in the viral life cycle, including its structural and functional characteristics, relationship with viral virulence, mechanisms in viral replication and assembly, role in host immune regulation, and interaction network with both viral and host proteins. These findings provide a theoretical framework for elucidating PRRSV pathogenesis and immune evasion strategies.

## Linked entities

- **Proteins:** RTN2 (reticulon 2)
- **Diseases:** Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (MONDO:0025494)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** reproductive and respiratory disorders (MESH:D019318), infection (MESH:D007239)
- **Species:** Sus scrofa (pig, species) [taxon 9823], Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (no rank) [taxon 28344]

## Full text

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## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13021468/full.md

## References

69 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13021468/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13021468