Award details

Molecular determinants of viral virulence and pathogenicity, and development of improved vaccine candidates and diagnostic tests

Reference	BBS/E/I/00001422
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Munir Iqbal
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	The Pirbright Institute
Department	The Pirbright Institute Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	649,948
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/07/2009
End date	31/03/2012
Duration	33 months

Abstract

The aim of the project is to characterise the molecular determinants that correlate with virus virulence, greater transmission and spread and to develop efficacious vaccines and highly sensitive diagnostic tests. This project will take forward our recent studies on Dynamics, selection and pathogenicity in avian influenza viruses: from individual to population and Genetic evolution in H9N2 viruses in poultry. These studies revealed that a number of precise molecular genetic changes in avian influenza virus genes could enhance virus adaption and fitness during experimental introduction or during natural circulation in chickens, turkeys and ducks, which directly correlate with increased virus virulence and transmissibility in different poultry hosts. To further study the functional role of these molecular markers, we will utilise a number of molecular, genetic and biophysical techniques to investigate how these mutations/substitutions affect the virus life cycle and increase pathogenicity. In addition, the project encompasses the development of new improved control strategies against avian influenza viruses by developing new vaccines and highly specific diagnostic tests.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Not funded via Committee
Research Topics	Animal Health, Immunology, Microbiology
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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