Project description DEENESFRITPL Dissecting the dynamics of infection by the West Nile virus The West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause illness in birds and can also infect humans. Understanding the disease dynamics in birds is crucial for effective intervention strategies that reduce spillover to humans. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the TransWNV project aims to investigate the genetic basis of the immune response to WNV in birds. Researchers will employ state-of-the-art genomics and bioinformatics to characterise the transcriptional profiles of sparrows infected with different WNV strains. By looking into which genes are switched on and off during infection, researchers hope to identify candidate genes and pathways associated with susceptibility. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective Emerging infectious diseases that have a wildlife reservoir pose a major challenge to global health. This is the case for West Nile Virus (WNV), which is the number one causative agent of viral encephalitis worldwide. Although it infects humans, the main hosts of WNV are birds. Thus, to develop effective intervention strategies it is critical to understand the disease dynamics in birds. In WNV, disease dynamics are influenced by variation in disease susceptibility across individuals and species, but the factors underlying this variation are poorly understood. Here, I propose to focus on one of these factors: the genetic basis of the immune response. Specifically, I will characterize the transcriptional response to WNV infection and identify candidate genes and pathways that will allow us to gain insights into the avian immune response to the virus and uncover the genetic basis of susceptibility both at the species and individual level. To achieve this goal, I will first analyze the transcriptional response in individuals of house sparrow that die and individuals that survive a WNV infection and test for differential expression. Second, I will characterize the transcriptional profile of house sparrows inoculated with 4 different strains of WNV. Finally, I will examine transcriptional profiles and test for differential expression in 3 species (house sparrow, Eurasian collared dove and common quail) with different susceptibility to WNV. To complete this work I will use state-of –the-art genomics, bioinformatics and statistical analyses and will integrate knowledge from genomics, disease ecology and immunology. Obtaining a Marie Sklodowska-Curie fellowship to carry out this project under the supervision of Prof. J Figuerola (Doñana Biological Station) will be a unique opportunity to resume my scientific career. This project will also contribute to one of the key research areas in the European Union and will yield new insight into the mechanisms relevant to host health. Fields of science medical and health scienceshealth sciencesinfectious diseasesRNA virusesnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologyvirologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesecologymedical and health sciencesbasic medicineimmunology Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2017 - Individual Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2017 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-CAR - CAR – Career Restart panel Coordinator AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS Net EU contribution € 170 121,60 Address CALLE SERRANO 117 28006 Madrid Spain See on map Region Comunidad de Madrid Comunidad de Madrid Madrid Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 170 121,60
