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
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
RG20 7NN NEWBURY
United Kingdom