Development of the first experimental model of Ilheus Virus (ILHV) infection in mice and design of therapeutic strategies

• Grant number: 18/02993-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: July 01, 2018
• End date: August 11, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Rafael Elias Marques Pereira Silva
• Grantee: Ana Carolina de Carvalho
• Host Institution: Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM). Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (Brasil). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 20/02456-5 - Synthesis, characterization and investigation of the role of CXCL10-derived peptides on experimental models of arboviral diseases, BE.EP.DD

Abstract

Arboviruses ("arthropod-borne viruses") are a global health issue. Public health agencies and populations in tropical regions have been alarmed by the emergence of arboviruses such as Chikungunya and Zika, which were associated with epidemics and significant human suffering in recent years. Ilhéus Virus (ILHV, genus Flavivirus) is a neglected arbovirus first isolated in the state of Bahia, Brazil, in 1944. Since, ILHV infection has been associated with the occurrence of severe neurological disease, such as encephalitis, similar to flaviviruses such as Saint Louis Encephalitis Virus (SLEV) and Rocio Virus (ROCV). However, ILHV biology, epidemiology and disease pathogenesis are poorly understood. There is no treatment or vaccine available against ILHV infection. Previous studies from our group indicates that ILHV may cause severe neurological disease. Such situation is alarming as ILHV may emerge and lead to outbreaks, posing a significant risk to the Brazilian population. Here, we propose to develop a mouse model of ILHV infection. An in vivo model of ILHV infection will allow further understanding of disease pathogenesis and the development of vaccines and treatments. Through characterization of viral replication in vivo, the immune response to infection and tissue damage, we expect to identify mechanisms that may be targeted in the development of treatments. Moreover, we will test galanin, a protective neuropeptide, over the course of ILHV infection in vivo. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

DE CARVALHO, ANA CAROLINA; DIAS, CARLOS SATO B.; COIMBRA, LAIS D.; ROCHA, REBECA P. F.; BORIN, ALEXANDRE; FONTOURA, MARINA A.; CARVALHO, MURILO; PROOST, PAUL; NOGUEIRA, MAURICIO L.; CONSONNI, SILVIO R.; et al. Characterization of Systemic Disease Development and Paw Inflammation in a Susceptible Mouse Model of Mayaro Virus Infection and Validation Using X-ray Synchrotron Microtomography. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES, v. 24, n. 5, p. 17-pg., 2023-03-01. (18/02594-9, 18/02993-0, 18/03917-6, 18/10990-1)