Viral and host M6A modification changes after infection of MARC145 cells by PRRSV SD16

Viral infections can influence the dynamic changes of the epitranscriptome. However, due to the lack of understanding regarding the impact of PRRSV (Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus) on m6A modifications in host cells in vitro, we investigated the changes in viral and host mRNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications during the infection of MARC145 cells by the PRRSV SD16 strain. We found that the expression of major epitranscriptomic proteins changed before and after viral infection, reprogramming both the viral and host epitranscriptomes. Specifically, the expression of METTL3 increased after PRRSV infection. Overexpression of METTL3 promoted PRRSV gene expression and replication, while knockdown of METTL3 suppressed PRRSV gene expression and replication. These findings reveal the dynamic characteristics of the mRNA m6A modification program during PRRSV replication in vitro. We investigated the changes in viral and host mRNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications during the in vitro infection process with the PRRSV SD16 strain.