FIG 11.

Schematic illustration of the interaction between PCV2 and HMGB1 in infected cells. HMGB1 in the nucleus restricts PCV2 replication by binding to the Ori region of the PCV2 genome. PCV2 infection causes increased generation of cellular ROS. Increased ROS promotes nucleocytoplasmic translocation of HMGB1 and lessens sequestration of the viral DNA by HMGB1 in the nucleus, thus enhancing PCV2 replication. N-Acetylcysteine (and probably ethyl pyruvate as well) scavenges PCV2-induced ROS and thus increases retention of HMGB1 in the nucleus, leading to sequestration of viral DNA and reduced PCV2 replication.