FMD TROPISM: Foot-and-mouth disease virus: the molecular basis of tissue tropism and persistence

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 02.0063

Key words (English)

Life Sciences; Medicine; Health; Safety; Scientific Research; Social Aspects

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: QLK2-2002-01719

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 5. Frame Research Programme - 1.1.2 Control of infectious diseases

Short description (English)

See abstract

Further information (English)

Full name of research-institution/enterprise:
Bundesamt für Veterinärwesen BVET
Institut für Viruskrankheiten u. Immunprophylaxe IVI
Sektion Immunologie

Abstract (English)

Foot -and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) causes a highly infectious, vesicular disease in cloven hoofec animals. In ruminants the acute phase is often followed by an a symptomatic, persistent infection. This elusive infection also arises in vaccinated animals exposed to FMDV. The risk posed by such carrier animals is the crucial barrier to the use of vaccines in Europe for emergency disease control. In recent years we have learnt much about where the virus persists in carriers, and about mechanisms of host cell recognition in vitro. By linking and extending these two areas of research, this project aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying viral tropism and persistence in the natural host. This project, which combines molecular virology, immunology, and state-of -the-art histopathology, will provide vital intelligence in the war against FMD by revealing targets for therapeutic or immune intervention aimed at preventing, or curing, the carrier state.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 02.0063