Towards the design of new potent antiviral drugs: structure-function analysis of paramyxoviridae rna polymerase (VIRRNAPOLDRUGTARGET)

Objective

The ultimate goal is the design of new antiviral drugs that specifically interfere with the replication of virus members of the Mononegavirales order, which are responsible for human and animal life-threatening diseases with large socio-economic impact. The RNA-dependent RNA-polymerise (Drip) of these viruses, the replicas, has no counterpart in mammalian cells, what makes it an attractive target for antiviral therapy. Seven partners will perform a structure-function analysis of the replicas, its viral, and possibly cellular, cofactors, and of its unique template, the nucleocapsid, in the presence or absence of antiviral drugs. To increase the chance of success, three complementary virus models will be studied, the Measles, Respiratory Syncytial & Sendai viruses. The outcome will be a "poly-erase toolbox' which will enable a panel of 5 European SME to model the replicas and its template from any related viruses and design new antiviral drugs & vaccine.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-2. - Key action Control of Infectious Diseases

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (9)