Generation of Recombinant Snakehead Rhabdovirus (SHRV) Expressing Artificial MicroRNA Targeting Spring Viremia of Carp Virus (SVCV) P Gene and In Vivo Therapeutic Use Against SVCV Infection.

Spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) is a highly lethal virus in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and other cyprinid fish species. The aim of the present study was to develop an in vivo therapeutic measure against SVCV using artificial microRNA (AmiRNA) targeting the SVCV P gene transcript. Three candidates of AmiRNAs (AmiR-P1, -P2, and -P3) were selected, and their ability to downregulate SVCV P gene transcript was analyzed by both synthesized AmiRNA mimics and AmiRNA-expressing vector system, in which AmiR-P3 showed the strongest inhibitory activity among the three candidates.