Award details

Molecular studies of the epidemiology, genetic diversity, evolution and host/vector interactions of the orbiviruses and seadornaviruses

Reference	BBS/E/I/00001720
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Peter Mertens
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Dr Houssam Attoui
Institution	The Pirbright Institute
Department	The Pirbright Institute Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	3,110,316
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/2012
End date	31/03/2017
Duration	59 months

Abstract

The aim of this project is to advance our understanding of the veterinary and zoonotic arboviruses at the molecular, genome/protein and functional levels. This includes studies of their molecular epidemiology and the development of diagnostic systems, particularly for bluetongue virus (BTV) , African horse sickness Virus (AHSV) , epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV), the other related orbiviruses and the arboviral reoviruses. The project will also examine virus host/vector interactions at the molecular level, to help explore the emergence of certain arboviruses and the factors that determine changes in their distribution, persistence and evolution. It will analyse how arbovirus structure and function control molecular interactions with both hosts and vectors, including replication, transmission and virulence, and the role of the arthropod vectors in the distribution and intensity of arboviral disease outbreaks. Interactions between the livestock immune system and the way it combats arboviral infection will be examined to inform the development of next generation / better vaccines, including the development of recombinant vaccine candidates (e.g. using Modified Vaccinia Ankara MVA). Novel viral proteins from both well-known and emerging arboviruses (particularly the orbiviruses, seadornaviruses and other arboviral reoviruses) will be identified and characterised. Their roles in virus replication, transmission and immune evasion by circumventing the innate immune response, including viral anti silencing mechanisms, will be examined.

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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