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.
Immune Modifying Particles - A Novel Therapeutic Strategy To Treat West Nile Virus Encephalitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$550,926.00
Summary
The outcome of viral infection of the brain is determined by the attraction of white blood cells, especially monocytes into the brain. Monocytes have a paradoxical role during brain inflammation. On one hand they are essential defenders against viral infection. On the other they may cause lethal brain damage. This project aims to define the mechanism(s) through which a novel therapeutic strategy, known as immune modifying particles, can modulate monocytes migration and function during brain infe ....The outcome of viral infection of the brain is determined by the attraction of white blood cells, especially monocytes into the brain. Monocytes have a paradoxical role during brain inflammation. On one hand they are essential defenders against viral infection. On the other they may cause lethal brain damage. This project aims to define the mechanism(s) through which a novel therapeutic strategy, known as immune modifying particles, can modulate monocytes migration and function during brain infection.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Noncoding Subgenomic Flavivirus RNA In Virus-host Interactions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$624,429.00
Summary
Flaviviruses such as Dengue, Japanese encephalitis , and West Nile are major human pathogens causing more than 50 million infections per year. Elements in viral genome responsible for pathogenesis of these viruses are not well defined. Recently we have identified a unique for these viruses noncoding subgenomic flavivirus RNA (sfRNA) and showed that it is contributing to viral pathogenesis. In this proposal we aim to determine mechanisms by which sfRNA facilitates viral pathogenesis.
Functional Roles Of The Tegument Proteins Of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$461,597.00
Summary
The occurrence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in the general population is very high (up to 60%). HSV enters the human body via the skin before entering nerve cells where it lies dormant in most people. Intermittently the virus reactivates and usually forms blisters at the skin when it sheds. The aim of this project is to define a molecular interaction network at the protein level during the course of infection of a host cell. This information will provide new targets for design of antivirals.