Neuropathogenesis of Oropouche virus in a mouse model

• Grant number: 13/50140-3
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: June 01, 2013
• End date: November 30, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Biology and Physiology of Microorganisms
• Agreement: University of Michigan
• Principal Investigator: Eurico de Arruda Neto
• Grantee: Eurico de Arruda Neto
• Principal researcher abroad: Katherine Spindler
• Institution abroad: University of Michigan, United States
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Oropouche virus (OROV) causes a debilitating febrile disease second only to dengue fever among arboviral fevers in Brazil; there have been more than 30 epidemics since 1960. Bunyaviruses such as OROV are emerging tropical pathogens of significant concern, especially due to increased deforestation, global climate change, and international traveI. There is an urgent need for use of animal models of OROV infection to increase our knowledge about OROV pathogenesis, enabling development of therapeutic approaches for OROV. We have recently developed an OROV animal model in mice, in which central nervous system (CNS) disease develops that has similarities to OROV aseptic meningitis in people. We will determine how OROV infects the CNS, and whether it induces specific damage to the blood-brain barrier, including apoptosis. We will extend the mouse system to other strains and ages of mice to model the classic febrile form of disease. (AU)