Dear Colleagues,

Traditional pestiviruses, such as the classical swine fever virus or the bovine viral diarrhea virus, are known agents of economically important animal diseases. However, recent research has led to the identification of many different related viruses that also infect previously unknown host species, such as cetaceans, rodents, or pangolins. It is likely that this is only the tip of the iceberg and that additional pestivirus species will be discovered soon.

Moreover, the impact of new species on the health status of individual animals or entire populations and their implications for the conservation of endangered species are still unknown. Although we know much about immunomodulatory proteins, the establishment of persistent infections, and cellular host factors of pestiviruses, there have been recent breakthroughs in understanding the mechanisms of infection. Of particular note are the recent studies on cellular receptor molecules, of which ADAM17 has been identified as a major host factor and direct interactor of the envelope protein E2.

The aim of this Special Issue is to present and summarize the latest discoveries in basic research, as well as the developments and advances in the epidemiology, diagnostics, and control of pestiviruses. Emphasis is also placed on pestiviral diseases, their pathogenesis, and their economic or environmental importance. Further investigation into the newly discovered pestiviruses and the molecular infection mechanisms of the known species will continue to be an exciting and important area of research.

Prof. Dr. Benjamin J. Lamp
Prof. Dr. Till Rümenapf
Prof. Dr. Christiane Riedel
Guest Editors

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