Award details

Viral Persistence

Reference	BBS/E/I/00007032
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Simon Graham
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Dr Carrie Batten, Dr Shahriar Behboudi, Dr Wilhelm Gerner, Professor Munir Iqbal, Dr Kevin Maringer, Professor Venugopal Nair, Dr Paolo Ribeca, Dr Julian Seago, Dr Yongxiu Yao
Institution	The Pirbright Institute
Department	The Pirbright Institute Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	1,501,483
Status	Current
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/2017
End date	31/03/2023
Duration	59 months

Abstract

There is no single mechanism adopted by viruses to establish a persistent infection, and the propensity for persistence can vary between closely related viral serotypes. Therefore, studying the natural hosts has enormous advantages over model species for dissecting the detailed molecular processes and pathways involved. The suite of biological mechanisms leading to persistence can be complex and the outcome of infection can vary depending on minor variation in the virus, host or indeed other environmental influences. Consequently insights into the entire process of viral pathogenesis leading to persistence is crucial to both identify targets for disease control and in making sure that any interventions are not likely to exacerbate disease. These studies build on the established, integrated and systems approach to animal infection studies that is a unique strength of the work undertaken at Pirbright. The studies in this topic is particularly closely linked to the ‘recognition and control of virus infections’ topic where the host innate and adaptive immune responses have failed to clear an infection. Marek’s disease virus (MDV) has developed multiple mechanisms for evading clearance by the host for and persisting. Avian hosts have adapted by initiating a balanced immune response that does not cause untoward tissue damage, but restricts virus replication to tolerable levels. Understanding this dynamic equilibrium is challenging, but very important to develop innovative intervention control strategies. African buffalo can become persistently infected with foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) creating a virus reservoir that influences viral evolution and transmission to cattle. Understanding the process of persistence will be an important component of any future eradication programme in Africa and could identify opportunities to control this disease in cattle. Porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus (PRRSV) strains are poor inducers of type I interferon (IFN) both in vitro and in vivo. PRRSV antagonises the production of type I IFN by infected cells in order to facilitate viral replication and persistence. Indeed, replication of the virus in porcine alveolar macrophages can be controlled by IFN-a treatment.

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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