Figure 6: Blebbistatin inhibits PRRSV infection in vitro and in vivo.

(a) MARC-145 cells were infected with PRRSV-EGFP in the presence of the indicated concentrations of blebbistatin. The cells were analyzed by FACS 48 hrs after infection. The data were shown as relative percentages compared to the value in the absence of blebbistatin, which the mean value was set at 100% infection. Error bars, mean ± s.e.m. (n = 3) (b) PAMs were infected with PRRSV in the presence of the indicated concentrations of blebbistatin. TCID₅₀ of progeny virus titer was tested 24 hrs post infection. Error bars, mean ± s.e.m. (n = 3) (c) Virus titers in the serum samples of PRRSV infected pigs in PBS (mock) or blebbistatin treated groups 7 days after inoculation were determined by calculation of TCID₅₀ on MARC-145 cells. Error bars, mean ± s.e.m. (n = 5 pigs per group) (d) Piglets received PBS (mock) or blebbistatin, and infected with PRRSV were monitored daily for mortality for 21 days. (e) Representative histopathological examinations for lung and thymus lesions stained by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Triangle indicates thickening of the alveolar septa or hyperaemia within alveolar septa. Arrow indicates inflammatory cells infiltrate. Scale bars, 200 μm. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, *** P < 0.001.