Determination of host factors restricting bunyavirus replication in mosquitoes
Project overview
Participants
Short summary
Bunyaviruses are an emerging global threat to human and animal health. In this project, we study how these viruses interact with the mosquito immune system to identify factors that can block viral transmission. The goal is to develop new strategies for effective vector control.
Bunyaviruses are of global concern and a major threat to human and animal health. Viruses belonging to the Bunyavirales order include Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, Rift Valley fever, Schmallenberg, La Crosse, Ngari, and Nairobi sheep disease viruses. This is a very large and diverse order and we see a constant emergence/discovery of new bunyaviruses around the globe.
Despite the continuous emergence of these viruses and the effect that they have on human and animal health there are no vaccines or drugs available. In addition, many bunyaviruses are transmitted and maintained in nature by different bloodsucking insects, such as mosquitoes and ticks, which contribute to the difficulty in controlling the spread of these viruses. Therefore in this project, we aim to, through both in vitro and in vivo studies, provide knowledge that can identity novel ways to control bunyavirus replication in the mosquito vector and thereby reducing the transmission of these viruses. To do this we aim to:
- Characterise the interaction between bunyaviruses, of human and animal importance, and their vector using different omics approaches
- Identify host factors that can inhibit the replication of bunyaviruses in the vector
- Investigate the possibility of reducing the mosquito tolerance to bunyaviruses through inhibition of virus-derived DNA