Objective Foot -and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) causes a highly infectious, vesicular disease in cloven hoofec animals. In ruminants the acute phase is often followed by an asymptomatic, persistent infection. This elusive infection also arises in vaccinated animals exposed to FMDV. The risk posed by such carrier animals is the crucial barrier to the use of vaccines in Europe for emergency disease control. In recent years we have learnt much about where the virus persists in carriers, and about mechanisms of host cell recognition in vitro. By linking and extending these two areas of research, this project aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying viral tropism and persistence in the natural host. This project, which combines molecular virology, immunology, and state-of -the-art histopathology, will provide vital intelligence in the war against FMD by revealing targets for therapeutic or immune intervention aimed at preventing, or curing, the carrier state. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologyvirologymedical and health sciencesbasic medicineimmunologymedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacypharmaceutical drugsvaccines 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 Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme CSC - Cost-sharing contracts Coordinator INSTITUTE FOR ANIMAL HEALTH EU contribution No data Address Compton laboratory RG20 7NN Newbury United Kingdom See on map Total cost No data Participants (2) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all INSTITUTE OF VIROLOGY AND IMMUNOPROPHYLAXIS Switzerland EU contribution No data Address Sensemattstrasse 293 3147 Mittelhauesern See on map Total cost No data INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE INVESTIGACION Y TECNOLOGIA AGRARIA Y ALIMENTARIA Spain EU contribution No data Address Carreteria de algete a el casar km 8.1 s/n 28130 Valdeolmos - madrid See on map Total cost No data