Award details

Fowlpox virus resistance to interferon

Reference	BBS/E/I/00001166
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Michael Skinner
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	The Pirbright Institute
Department	The Pirbright Institute Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	1,324
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/10/2004
End date	31/07/2005
Duration	10 months

Abstract

Results from a previous BBSRC-funded PhD LINK studentship demonstrated that fowlpox virus induces avian type I interferon but that it is resistant to the anti-viral effects of the interferon. Fowlpox virus is also able to rescue Semliki forest virus from the antiviral effects of avian type I interferon. The complete genome sequences of virulent and attenuated strains of fowlpox virus are now available (the latter from our laboratory). The sequences reveal no clear clues as to possible mechanisms of interferon resistance, based on known examples from a wide range of viruses. In particular, fowlpox virus lacks equivalents of vaccinia virus genes E3L and K3L, which play a major role in interferon resistance. Nor have any obvious type I interferon-binding proteins been identified. A type II interferon-binding protein from fowlpox virus has recently been identified biochemically. The protein had a different fold than previously known type II interferon-binding proteins and its activity had not been predicted. It is likely that the proteins responsible for type I interferon resistance are among the numerous proteins of unknown function encoded by fowlpox virus. To identify them, this project will employ powerful genetic screens, supplemented by biochemical and virological approaches.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
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

I accept the terms and conditions of use (opens in new window)

export PDF file

back to list new search