2011/758 Development of an efficient diagnostic tool for assessing antiviral resistance in abalone and oysters

By Peter Speck

Oysters and abalone in Australia are under threat from destructive herpesvirus infections: oyster herpesvirus 1 (OsHV-1) in the case of oysters, and abalone herpesvirus (AbHV) infecting abalone. Epidemics of infection with these viruses have caused widespread deaths of oysters and abalone in Australia. A key aspect of reducing the risk from this threat is in identification of oyster and abalone family lines that resist infection with these viruses. Identification of such families can potentially be facilitated by determination of the nature of the endogenous antiviral compounds that within these oysters and abalone contribute to their ability to resist infections.

This project examined the genetic basis of antiviral resistance in oysters and abalone in response to the significant disease threats posed by oyster and abalone herpesviruses. Laboratory-based systems for the growth and assay of such viruses are problematic. The project undertook to measure the antiviral activity of different breeding lines of oysters and abalone using as a proxy measure the antiviral activity against the human herpesvirus HSV-1. It was demonstrated that oysters and abalone have antiviral activity against HSV-1, and that this trait is heritable. They identified a hemolymph compound providing antiviral activity and analysis of the oyster genome identified what is likely to be a key role for the protein viperin in resistance to viral infection.

The project provided outstanding value in three important areas:

1. Adding to the knowledge base directing mollusc breeding programs.
2. Enhancing knowledge of molluscan immunity to viral infections.
3. Building research and development capacity in the Australian seafood industry.