West Nile (WN) virus is a flavivirus that can cause fatal human encephalitis. Over the past four years, this virus has established itself across the United States. There are no approved vaccines or therapies to protect against WN virus. This project is designed to develop an effective anti-WN virus RNA interference therapy. Our hypothesis is that small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting WN virus RNAs for degradation will inhibit viral replication and dissemination in vivo. Several siRNAs that inhibit WN virus in cultured cells will be identified in screening assays. The siRNAs showing robust interference in cellular assays will be evaluated in vivo using an established model of WN virus infection. The siRNAs will be expressed from adenovirus-associated virus vectors, including vectors designed to selectively target WN virus-infected cells. The AAV vectors will express siRNAs in mouse spleen, liver and brain, organs susceptible to WN virus. After WN virus challenge, the mice will be assessed for viral burden in different organs, and observed for morbidity, mortality. These experiments will provide the basis for Phase II experiments optimizing delivery of interfering RNAs to infected organs in animal models of WN virus infection. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Grants - Phase I (R41)
Project #
1R41AI058624-01A1
Application #
6882929
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-IDM-B (12))
Program Officer
Repik, Patricia M
Project Start
2005-05-01
Project End
2007-04-30
Budget Start
2005-05-01
Budget End
2006-04-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$351,889
Indirect Cost
Name
L2 Diagnostics, LLC
Department
Type
DUNS #
142406110
City
New Haven
State
CT
Country
United States
Zip Code
06530
Anthony, Karen G; Bai, Fengwei; Krishnan, Manoj N et al. (2009) Effective siRNA targeting of the 3' untranslated region of the West Nile virus genome. Antiviral Res 82:166-8