microRNA expression profile, Marek's disease virus, chicken interferon alpha
This study aims to decipher the molecular mechanism by which Marek's disease virus counteracts the host type I interferon antiviral response through extracellular vesicle derived microRNAs. We seek to characterize the miRNA expression profiles in EVs from MDV infected and chicken interferon alpha treated host cells, identify key miRNAs targeting the core components of the type I interferon signaling pathway, and validate their functional roles in mediating viral immune evasion. Our research provides a novel perspective on viral immunosuppression, revealing an EV mediated miRNA regulatory network through which MDV subverts host innate immunity. The findings are crucial for understanding the pathogenesis of MDV and other herpesviruses. The small RNA sequencing data and identified key miRNAs deposited in this SRA submission serve as a valuable resource for developing diagnostic markers and therapeutic strategies against viral immunosuppressive diseases.