RNA-sequencing of trigeminal ganglia from calves latently infected with bovine herpesvirus 1

Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) is the causative agent of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, a highly contagious respiratory disease characterized by significant inflammation in the upper respiratory tract of cattle. Infection with BoHV-1 predisposes cattle to secondary bacterial pneumonia and can also lead to infertility and abortions. Following the initial infection, BoHV-1 establishes a lifelong latency within sensory neurons of the trigeminal ganglia (TG). Various factors including stress, immunosuppression, or hormone fluctuations can trigger reactivation and further transmission of the virus. To explore the molecular mechanisms occurring during latency, we conducted RNA sequencing on TG samples from calves uninfected or latently infected with BoHV-1. Understanding these molecular pathways is crucial for developing effective strategies to prevent BoHV-1 reactivation and control its transmission among cattle.