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Content archived on 2024-06-20

Influence of viral proteins of avian influenza virus on the innate immune response of birds

Objective

We are currently facing a global threat caused by a highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza virus (hpH5N1). This virus habors the potential to become a human pandemic virus. Since 1997 this virus caused outbreaks in poultry in several countries in Asia. In 2005 hpH5N1 was first observed outside of Asia in poultry in Europe which was followed by a fast spread in Europe during February 2006. The most dangerous property of this hpH5N1 virus is its ability to infect and cause disease other species than birds (cats, tigers, pigs, stone marten). More importantly, the unusual ability of this virus to infect humans gives rise to growing concerns about the possibility of the virus to become pandemic in humans. The results of the project described below will increase our understanding of the pathogenesis of hpAIV in chickens. Our project is based on four columns: (i) characterization of the virulence of an hpH5N1 strain isolated from a Thai eagle in several species, (ii) determination of host factors influenced by AIV infection during the very early phase of infection, (iii) research on whether different lines of chicken breeds show differences in resistance to hpH5N1 infection, and (iv) investigation of contact points between wild birds and domestic free range poultry and migratory behaviour of birds based on satellite tracking. The objective is to contribute to the understanding of virus pathogenesis and virulence determinants, determine host-pathogen interactions and define the molecular basis for host specificity. The project focuses on the antiviral innate immune response in birds. Investigations will be focused on expression of genes related to the interferon pathway including the role of Mx. In addition the contribution of the influenza virus protein NS1 to virulence in chickens will be investigated. Experiments will address the question whether HA molecules from non-H5 and non-H7 strains can give low pathogenic viruses the potential to become highly pathogenic.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Call for proposal

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FP6-2005-SSP-5-B-INFLUENZA
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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.

STREP - Specific Targeted Research Project

Coordinator

FEDERAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR ANIMAL HEALTH FRIEDRICH-LOEFFLER-INSTITUT
EU contribution
No data
Total cost

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.

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Participants (8)

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