Infection of CD4 T lymphocytes by RSV: defective viral genome (DVG) formation and its pro-survival effects on the infected cells

• Grant number: 23/07268-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: September 28, 2023
• End date: September 27, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Eurico de Arruda Neto
• Grantee: Rosa Maria Mendes Viana
• Supervisor: Carolina Beatriz Lopez Zalaquett
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Washington, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 20/10954-5 - Infection of CD4 T lymphocytes by human respiratory syncytial virus: study of permissiveness, expression of viral genes and cellular repercussions, BP.DR

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most important viral cause of severe respiratory infections in children worldwide. RSV infects the respiratory epithelium and is also frequently detected in CD4+ T cells from secondary lymphoid tissues of asymptomatic patients. Host factors such as progressive loss of immune functions, and impaired production of cytokines favor the maintenance of persistent infections. During natural RSV infection, copy-back defective viral genomes (DVGs) are produced that trigger an antiviral response, but contradictorily, cbVGs can promote persistent infection. The presence of RSV in secondary lymphoid tissues of patients without acute symptoms of respiratory infection suggests a long-term or persistent infection. Thus, the present study aims to study the association between DVGs and persistent infection in primary culture of CD4+ T lymphocytes. (AU)