Award details

Determining transmission characteristics of endemic and emerging TSEs

Reference	BBS/E/D/20251968
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Andrew Gill
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	University of Edinburgh
Department	The Roslin Institute
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	2,918,895
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/2012
End date	31/03/2017
Duration	59 months

Abstract

Although cases of classical TSE disease in ruminants appear to be in decline, while TSEs remain in the environment and new emerging isolates are being identified there are still major concerns for food security. The transmission potential of novel isolates to other ruminants and to humans is still unknown. As with any disease, the risk of intra- and inter-species transmission is a composite of many factors, including the infectivity levels in tissues and/or bodily fluids of the infected host, the routes by which that infection can pass to the new host and the way that the new host responds to the incoming infection. Host-specific variables control some of these aspects, whilst pathogen-specific variables affect others. The major aim of work in this theme is to acquire a thorough understanding of the cellular and molecular factors influencing TSE transmission that are dictated by both the new host and the TSE agent. This work intersects with the aims of ISP3 focusing on the innate immune system, which we anticipate will identify common candidate genes underlying genetic resistance to disease as well as similar pathways that are modulated by pathogens. In line with our intention to produce work with impact, this research aims to identify candidates for future transgenic approaches, for the development of diagnostic tests, to target therapeutic intervention and to aid our understanding of the risk of transmission of novel TSE agents through the food chain. The work therefore fits entirely within the BBSRC strategic priority of food security.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Not funded via Committee
Research Topics	Animal Health, TSEs (transmissible spongiform encephalopathies)
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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