Objective
Aim of the project is to search for antigens that induce neutralizing antibodies in mice, which prevent entry of Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in vitro, and to characterize the identified candidate antigen with respect to its function. We will employ the “reverse vaccinology approach” with two robust technological platforms. A published genomic DNA sequence of HCMV has been analyzed and identified putative genes encoding surface exposed or secreted proteins using computer algorithms. Based on this analysis, candidate DNA sequences have been synthesized and are ready for cloning into expression vectors. •The selected genes will be expressed in eukaryotic cells in vitro and characterized to compare with information obtained from the bioinformatic analyses. •To screen immunogenicity of the candidate proteins, we will insert candidate genes into alphavirus vector to prepare pseudo-virion (alphavirus replicon particles), which induce robust immune responses in mice against the expressed gene product. Sera from immunized mice will be collected and submitted to immunological assays, including western blotting, immunofluorescence studies and in vitro neutralization assays. •In vitro neutralization assays will be set up with bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) system that produce recombinant HCMV expressing a reporter gene to detect infection to cultured cells. •Sera from HCMV seropositive individuals will be analyzed to detect existence of specific antibodies to selected antigens by western blotting or the protein microarray technology. Screening of vaccine targets against HCMV infection in MEGALOVAX includes the reverse vaccinology approach applied for the first time to viral pathogens with the two abovementioned technological platforms. This new approach is expected to offer a breakthrough of discovery of new HCMV antigens for protection. The results from this project will also contribute to further understanding of viral-host interactions during HCMV infection.
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.
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology virology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics DNA
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
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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-2009-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
53100 Siena
Italy
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.