This proposal investigates processes that regulate the cell cytoskeleton to control shape and the dynamics membranes, with a view to developing a generic antiviral therapy. As viruses rely upon the cell cytoskeleton to initiate an infection, we posit that enzymes that control the cytoskeleton can be targeted to block infection.
The primary aim of this grants to determine how HIV spreads through our immune system. The above knowledge will determine key Achille’s Heel moments in the HIV life cycle and thus lead to better therapeutic HIV treatments/prevention.
Defining The Mechanism Of Assembly Of Herpes Simplex Virus In The Neuronal Growth Cone And Its Subsequent Exit To Epithelial Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$774,624.00
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes dormant infection of nerve cell bodies near the spine. It periodically reactivates to be transported along nerves to the skin where it causes oral, genital or neonatal herpes and mediates HIV superinfection. HSV assembles into its final form in the terminal part of the axon just prior to crossing into skin. Elucidating the mechanism of HSV assembly and exit will facilitate new strategies for antiviral agents and immune treatment for HSV and similar viruses.