Subcellular localization of viral proteins after porcine epidemic diarrhea virus infection and their roles in the viral life cycle

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is one of the most devastating diseases affecting the pig industry globally. Due to the emergence of novel strains, no effective vaccines are available for prevention and control. Investigating the pathogenic mechanisms of PEDV may provide insights for creating clinical interventions. This study constructed and expressed eukaryotic expression vectors containing PEDV proteins (except NSP11) with a 3' HA tag in Vero cells. The subcellular localization of PEDV proteins was examined using endogenous protein antibodies to investigate their involvement in the viral life cycle, including endocytosis, intracellular trafficking, genome replication, energy metabolism, budding, and release. We systematically analyzed the potential roles of all PEDV viral proteins in the virus life cycle. We found that the endosome sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) machinery may be involved in the replication and budding processes of PEDV. Our study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying PEDV infection. IMPORTANCE: The global swine industry has suffered immense losses due to the spread of PEDV. Currently, there are no effective vaccines available for clinical protection. Exploring the pathogenic mechanisms of PEDV may provide valuable insights for clinical interventions. This study investigated the involvement of viral proteins in various stages of the PEDV lifecycle in the state of viral infection and identified several previously unreported interactions between viral and host proteins. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying PEDV infection and may serve as a basis for further research and development of therapeutic strategies.