Finally, during the shedding stage, the virus undergoes another change and shifts its target cells from lymphocytes to nasal cavity cells, where it is then shed through nasal secretions. This discovery undoubtedly puts scientists on the right track for developing a vaccine – starting with the correct cell culture for each stage of the virus lifecycle – but ARS researchers are also looking into alternative methods to develop a vaccine. Researchers are experimenting with the MCF virus that infects topi (an African antelope) because it will grow in cell culture and does not infect cattle.
In the concluding phase, the virus shifts its target cells from lymphocytes to nasal cavity cells, leading to their release through secretions. This discovery may aid vaccine development – beginning with appropriate cell cultures at each stage of the virus lifecycle – but ARS researchers are also exploring alternative methods. They are examining the MCF virus that infects topi (an African antelope), as it can grow in cell culture and does not affect cattle.