| Grant number: | 18/03917-6 |
| Support Opportunities: | Regular Research Grants |
| Start date: | July 01, 2018 |
| End date: | June 30, 2020 |
| Field of knowledge: | Biological Sciences - Pharmacology |
| Principal Investigator: | Rafael Elias Marques Pereira Silva |
| Grantee: | Rafael Elias Marques Pereira Silva |
| Host Institution: | Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM). Campinas , SP, Brazil |
| City of the host institution: | Campinas |
Abstract
Climate change is a worldwide reality that has facilitated the emergence of mosquito-borne viral diseases. Genus Alphavirus comprise dozens of mosquito-borne viruses that can cause severe disease in humans. However, most alphaviruses are neglected in terms of research and public policies. In the context of emergence, the lack of therapies and knowledge on neglected arboviral diseases impairs measures for disease control, prevention and treatment, resulting in dire consequences for affected populations. To address this problem, we propose the establishment of a panel of in vivo experimental models of disease caused by Mayaro virus (MAYV). MAYV is an emergent neglected arbovirus present in Brazil, whose infection lacks an specific treatment and vaccine. Our strategy consists in investigating mechanisms of disease pathogenesis involved in MAYV-induced articular disease, using mouse models of infection developed in susceptible (type I Interferon-deficient) and wild-type mice, to overcome inherent limitations of each mouse model. Moreover, we will combine gold-standard methodology in virology, immunology and pathology to a new microtomography technique developed in the host-institution to study local inflammation associated to MAYV infection. This project will result in a better understanding of MAYV biology and pathogenesis of MAYV-induced disease, and in the discovery and testing of potential treatments. Perspectives arising from this project include the study of MAYV structural biology and the correlation of our findings with related viral diseases. This project is based on the specialty of the proponent, who is experienced in the study of arboviral diseases such as Dengue, Yellow fever, St. Louis Encephalitis and Zika, in institutions in Brazil and abroad. This project will involve national and international research groups in active collaboration, and has already resulted in the establishment of a new field of research in the host-institution. (AU)
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