Our major laboratory focus on the study of the molecular biology and latency of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) has continued. We are performing finer endonuclease mapping of varicella zoster virus DNA strains as well as completing a preliminary map of 58 viral encoded transcripts. We are using our extensive library of VZV DNA recombinants to map various VZV encoded gene products. Using marker rescue techniques we are attempting to map the genetic loci associated with VZV resistance to antiviral drugs. By hybrid selection and in vitro translation of viral RNAs and immunoprecipitation with polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies we are identifying and mapping major viral proteins. By transformation of thymidine kinase deficient mouse L cells we have identified and mapped the gene responsible for the VZV pyrimidine kinase enzyme. During the coming year we plan to initiate in situ hybridization studies of human tissues for latent VZV DNA and RNA sequences.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Intramural Research (Z01)
Project #
1Z01AI000430-01
Application #
4688541
Study Section
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1985
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Niaid Extramural Activities
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State
Country
United States
Zip Code
Rau, Rachel; Fitzhugh, Courtney D; Baird, Kristin et al. (2008) Triad of severe abdominal pain, inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, and disseminated varicella-zoster virus infection preceding cutaneous manifestations after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: utility of PCR for early recognition and ther Pediatr Infect Dis J 27:265-8
Cohen, Jeffrey I; Krogmann, Tammy; Pesnicak, Lesley et al. (2007) Absence or overexpression of the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) ORF29 latency-associated protein impairs late gene expression and reduces VZV latency in a rodent model. J Virol 81:1586-91
Li, Qingxue; Krogmann, Tammy; Ali, Mir A et al. (2007) The amino terminus of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) glycoprotein E is required for binding to insulin-degrading enzyme, a VZV receptor. J Virol 81:8525-32
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Ambagala, Aruna P N; Cohen, Jeffrey I (2007) Varicella-Zoster virus IE63, a major viral latency protein, is required to inhibit the alpha interferon-induced antiviral response. J Virol 81:7844-51
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Cohrs, Randall J; Gilden, Donald H; Gomi, Yasuyuki et al. (2006) Comparison of virus transcription during lytic infection of the Oka parental and vaccine strains of Varicella-Zoster virus. J Virol 80:2076-82
Li, Qingxue; Ali, Mir A; Cohen, Jeffrey I (2006) Insulin degrading enzyme is a cellular receptor mediating varicella-zoster virus infection and cell-to-cell spread. Cell 127:305-16
Hu, Huiling; Cohen, Jeffrey I (2005) Varicella-zoster virus open reading frame 47 (ORF47) protein is critical for virus replication in dendritic cells and for spread to other cells. Virology 337:304-11
Cohen, Jeffrey I; Krogmann, Tammy; Bontems, Sebastien et al. (2005) Regions of the varicella-zoster virus open reading frame 63 latency-associated protein important for replication in vitro are also critical for efficient establishment of latency. J Virol 79:5069-77

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