Objective "Influenza virus is an RNA virus of the Orthomyxoviridae family, which includes three Genera: influenza A, B, and C. We will focus on influenza A virus and study host/pathogen interactions. While mammals can be infected by the pathogen either sporadically or with well adapted lineages, aquatic birds are the natural reservoir of influenza A viruses.Increasing our understanding of virus/host interactions may enable us to better identify viral determinants of host range from the protein level and molecular markers of interspecies transmission. So far most of the knowledge on influenza virus and host cell interactions was gained on mammalian models and very little is known on avian cell/influenza virus interactions. Our first objective will therefore be to identify avian cellular proteins that interact with influenza virus proteins. This approach will be followed by an investigation of the protein domains involved and the identification of molecular determinants of host specificity. The final objective of the present proposal is to study the mechanisms of avian host/influenza virus interactions.The difference between avian and mammalian protein interactions with influenza virus proteins could indicate which gene pools (or mutations) are more likely than others to contribute to future pandemics. Hence we hope to be able to utilize our findings to target and actively survey particular virus strains and key hosts. Our work should also allow the scientific community to make sure that currently used vaccines and antiviral drugs would be efficient to counter more “risky” animal influenza viruses in terms of threat to interspecies transmission." Fields of science medical and health scienceshealth sciencespublic healthepidemiologypandemicsmedical and health scienceshealth sciencesinfectious diseasesRNA virusesinfluenzamedical and health scienceshealth sciencespublic healthepidemiologyzoonosis Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG - Marie-Curie Action: "Career Integration Grants" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG) Coordinator INSTITUT NATIONAL DE RECHERCHE POUR L'AGRICULTURE, L'ALIMENTATION ET L'ENVIRONNEMENT EU contribution € 100 000,00 Address 147 RUE DE L'UNIVERSITE 75007 Paris France See on map Region Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Jean-Luc Guérin (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data