PRRSV subverts host programmed cell death network for immune evasion

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a major pathogen endangering the global swine industry, causing severe reproductive disorders in sows and respiratory diseases in piglets, and incurring substantial economic losses. This review summarizes how PRRSV interferes with multiple programmed cell death (PCD) modalities, including apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, thereby optimizing its replication microenvironment, evading host immune responses, and establishing persistent infection. Furthermore, it details the spatiotemporal-specific strategies of PRRSV in regulating PCD during different infection stages and in various cell types, and highlights the pivotal role of virus-host protein interactions in viral pathogenesis. Collectively, this review systematically elucidates the molecular mechanisms by which PRRSV manipulates the host PCD network, and provides crucial theoretical guidance for PRRSV control research and antiviral drug development.