The process by which herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) establishes latency in neurons of the peripheral nervous system is poorly defined. Although considerable evidence suggests that CD8 + T cells and IFN-gamma contribute to the establishment of latency, direct evidence to support this hypothesis is lacking. In particular, a limiting factor in elucidating the mechanism(s) by which IFN-gamma could potentially inhibit viral replication is that IFN-gamma alone only marginally inhibits HSV-1 replication in vitro. Consequently, it is difficult to determine how IFN-gamma contributes to the establishment of viral latency. We have identified an unexpected event by which IFN-gamma can function m concert with IFN-beta to potently inhibit HSV-1 replication both in vitro and in vivo. The goal of the studies proposed herein is to elucidate the mechanism(s) by which IFN-beta and IFN-gamma inhibit HSV-1 replication and to identify the cellular factors that are involved in this process.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31AI054318-02
Application #
6757258
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F05 (29))
Program Officer
Hernandez, Milton J
Project Start
2003-05-30
Project End
2005-01-07
Budget Start
2004-05-30
Budget End
2005-01-07
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$18,027
Indirect Cost
Name
Tulane University
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
053785812
City
New Orleans
State
LA
Country
United States
Zip Code
70118