Diagnosis and Prevention of Infection by Phlebotomus Fever Group Viruses

Abstract

The objectives included the development of new diagnostic procedures and vaccine strategies pertinent to selected phleboviruses. Using cDNA clones of particular phlebovirus genes, two eukaryotic expression systems were studied. Recombinant vaccinia viruses were made that expressed part of the Punta Topo (PT) M RNA, producing the PT glycoproteins G1 and G2. The expressed products were characterized. Baculovirus vectors were developed and employed for the expression of PT S RNA gene products (N and NS proteins). Baculoviruses were also used to express Hantaan S RNA (N protein) and the product tested a potential diagnostic reagent. A second objective involved the characterization of an attenuated, candidate vaccine derivative of Rift valley fever (RVF) phlebovirus. The complete sequence of the viral M RNA of the virus was obtained, the encoded glycoproteins expressed in baculovirus vectors and the products characterized. The sequence of the RVFV S RNA was obtained and compared with those of TOscana (TOS) phlebovirus, PT virus, Sicilian sandfly fever virus and Uukuniemi virus. The homologies of these sequences identified conserved and variable regions of the genes and their products.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 03, 1991
Accession Number
ADA240223

Entities

People

  • David H. Bishop

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Amino Acids
  • Baculoviridae
  • Biomedical Research
  • Bunyaviridae
  • Civilian Personnel
  • Contracts
  • Genetic Code
  • Genetics
  • Infection
  • Medical Personnel
  • Phlebotomus Fever
  • Proteins
  • Rift Valley Fever
  • Rift Valleys
  • Rna Viruses
  • Virology
  • Viruses

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Molecular Genetics
  • Virology (or Medical Virology).

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology