Research Projects (Third party funds)

DIA_TIP

Dynamics of influenza A virus defective interfering particle replication – from single cells and tissues to the host level

Influenza and other respiratory viral diseases constitute a major threat to human health. Defective influenza A virus (IAV) particles, a natural byproduct of IAV replication, interfere with spread of infectious IAV which opens an exciting possibility for new therapeutic and preventive approaches. However, important roadblocks need to be removed before defective interfering particles for therapeutic use (TIP) can be used for treatment of humans. In particular, save and efficient production systems for TIP need to be established, the full antiviral potential of TIPs needs to be explored, antiviral activity and safety need to be assessed in cell culture and animal models and mathematical models for TIP/IAV co-infection need to be developed for rational design and optimization of TIPs. The interdisciplinary joint research project DIA_TIP will use a systems biology approach to meet these challenges. We will characterize replication and co-infection of IAV and IAV-derived TIP from the single cell to the tissue and the animal level. This includes state-of-the-art culture systems, a reverse genetics-based approach for TIP generation, reverse genetics to engineer TIPs with increased antiviral activity and assessment of safety and antiviral activity in animal models for IAV infection.

Groups

There are no results

Coordinator

Udo Reichl (MPI Magdeburg)

Funding agency

DARPA - Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

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