Silence of TGF-β1 gene expression reduces PRRSV replication and potentiates immunity of immune cells of Tibetan Pig

•Knockdown of TGF-β1 gene expression by shRNA inhibited PRRSV replication in pig immune cells and increased the viability of infected cells.•Silencing TGF-β1 gene expression by shRNA enhanced the antiviral immunity and reduced PRRSV yield in the infected cells.•Silence of TGF-β1 gene expression by shRNA can facilitate the control of PRRSV infection in pigs.