Identification Of Host Factors That Restrict Influenza Virus Replication In Macrophages
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,446.00
Summary
Influenza virus infects different cells in the airways, including immune cells (macrophages) and non-immune cells (epithelial cells). Epithelial cell infection results in virus amplification and release whereas macrophage infection leads to virus destruction. This project will identify cellular factors expressed by macrophages that block virus amplification and release. Identification of novel antiviral factors is an important step towards developing strategies to reduce influenza disease.
Improving The Management Of An Emerging Viral Disease In Australia: Determination Of The Mechanisms Of Neuroinvasion By Hendra Virus And Their Control, Leading To Optimisation Of Post-exposure Therapy Following Contact With Hendra Virus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$675,742.00
Summary
Hendra virus causes severe disease in people with >50% mortality; human infection is acquired following contact with affected horses. In nature, Hendra virus is carried by flying foxes and the cause of spill-over events to horses is unknown. The impact of Hendra virus on human health may rapidly increase in response to continued urban expansion; the outcome of this project will be improved decision support for those charged with the medical management of people exposed to this deadly virus.
Molecular Pathogenesis Of Emerging West Nile Viruses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$594,133.00
Summary
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that causes potentially fatal encephalitis in humans and horses. This project will investigate the recent emergence of pathogenic for horses WNV in Australia and the potential of this new isolate to cause severe disease in humans. We will define the viral and host factors determining the outcome of WNV infection. This project will provide knowledge on the factors involved in the emergence of virulent WNV strains from attenuated isolates.
Influenza A Virus PB1-F2 Protein: A Putative Virulence Factor And Initiator Of Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$474,718.00
Summary
Influenza virus produces a protein of undefined function called PB1-F2. Infection of mice with virus expressing PB1-F2 from virulent strains causes severe lung inflammation, while PB1-F2 from milder seasonal viruses does not. We will examine how PB1-F2 influences virulence of human influenza in the ferret, which exhibits the same illness as humans. This work will help understand the disease severity of newly evolved influenza viruses of humans and the role of PB1-F2 in mediating this.