Several members of the virus family Togaviridae cause acute and persistent arthritis and/or arthralgia in humans. A small animal model will be used to study Togavirus tropism for bone/joint tissue.
The specific aims of this study are: 1) Identify cellular targets of acute S.A.AR86 replication within bone/joint tissue. 2) Characterize persistent S.A.AR86 infection within the bone marrow at the molecular level. 3) Determine whether acute and/or persistent replication is a common trait of arthritis/arthralgia-associated Togaviruses. A S.A.AR86 infectious cDNA clone, as well as replication competent viral vectors expressing green fluorescent protein will facilitate identification of virus infected cells. Sequence analysis of persistent virus genomes will be performed to determine if specific mutations contribute to persistence within bone/joint tissue. Other arthritis/arthralgia- associated Togaviruses, including Ross River virus and rubella virus will also be evaluated for the ability to acutely or persistently infect bone/joint tissue within this model. Basic studies within this mouse model may provide insight into mechanisms underlying virus-induced arthritis/arthralgia in humans.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32AI010146-01
Application #
2708393
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG5-EVR (01))
Project Start
1998-11-30
Project End
Budget Start
1998-06-01
Budget End
1999-05-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
078861598
City
Chapel Hill
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27599