Modulation of MHC class I expression by African swine fever virus and the role of virus proteins EP153R and CD2v

Various DNA viruses, including pox- and herpesviruses, express proteins which downregulate host MHC class I antigen expression as an immune evasion strategy. Previous studies into whether ASFV modulates expression of the porcine MHC class I molecule, SLA-I, have not provided a clear answer. In this thesis, the effect of African swine fever virus (ASFV) and the roles of two proteins, EP153R and CD2v, were investigated in the transcription, protein synthesis and expression of SLA-I at the surface of ASFV-infected cells. The expression and localisation of EP153R were also investigated.