Objective
Enveloped viruses, such as influenza, acquire their outer lipid envelope by budding from the membrane of the infected host before being released in the extra-cellular space by membrane fission. In these last steps of the virus infection cycle, matrix proteins connecting capsid with the lipid envelope often play a key role in assembly and budding of newly produced virions. In spite of the widely acknowledged impact on public health and economy of influenza epidemics, the processes facilitating egression of the flu virus are only poorly understood. The goal of this project is to investigate the mechanisms by which Influenza escapes from its host. We will, in particular, focus on the role of its matrix protein M1. Our approach is based on the use of a combination of minimal cell membrane models produced in vitro upon self-assembly of lipids. Using supported lipid bilayers (SLB), giant unilamellar vesicles
(GUV), as well as membrane nanotubes of compositions reflecting those of the host´s plasma membrane, we will provide a physical understanding to the role of M1 in facilitating virus assembly into a bud and release from the host. Through our study, we will elucidate whether M1 can promote budding and fission via scaffolding and whether the formation of lipid microdomains can help overcoming the energy barrier required for membrane abscission. Once the system is established, it will be extended to mimic the role the riboneucleoproteins core (RNPs), using nanoparticles of geometries similar to the viral capsid. Furthermore, the contribution of other viral components will be taken into consideration. In particular, we will look for a synergy between M1 and the ion channel M2 as the latter is believed to be involved in fission. A detailed understanding of the individual steps of the viruse’s life cycle is not only interesting from a fundamental point of view but is likely to greatly benefit to the development of more efficient antiviral drugs and treatments.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology virology
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- medical and health sciences health sciences infectious diseases RNA viruses influenza
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules lipids
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics geometry
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
75231 Paris
France
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.