Immunology Projects

VIRAL IMMUNOGENETICS PROJECTS

The role of a virally encoded glycoprotein that interacts with a host cell adhesion molecule in mediating a novel immune evasion strategy

Murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) is a large DNA virus that encodes a large number of viral proteins whose primary function is to subvert the host's immune response to allow the virus to establish persistent infection so that it can thus be spread to uninfected individuals.  In this project we are investigating the role and function of a viral protein that is expressed on the surface of infected cells and that specifically interacts with host molecules that are involved in cellular adhesion and activation of immune cells, such as T cells and B cells. Knowledge gained from this study will allow us to develop new ways in interfering with viral infection.

Investigators:
Dr. Anthony Scalzo
Dr. Mariapia Degli-Esposti
Dr. Valentina Voigt
Dr. Andrew Mikosza
Ms. Catherine Forbes

Funding Source: National Health and Medical Research Council

Viral immune evasion from the NK cell Ly49H activation receptor

Natural killer (NK) cells represent a host immune effector cell population that plays a critical role in limiting early stages of MCMV infection.  NK cells have the ability to discriminate between normal uninfected cells and virally infected cells which they can kill.  This process is regulated by a number of cell surface receptors expressed on the NK cells.  One of these receptors is called Ly49H.  It has the ability to recognise a protein expressed by MCMV called m157.  In this study we are exploring the nature of the interaction between Ly49H and m157 and how the virus can mutate the gene encoding the m157 protein to escape from NK cell surveillance.

Investigators:
Dr. Anthony Scalzo
Dr. Mariapia Degli-Esposti
Dr. Alexandra Corbett
Ms. Catherine Forbes

Funding Source: National Health and Medical Research Council

Genetic variation of MCMV proteins involved in immune evasion and role of MCMV proteins in cell entry

Because of the strong selective pressures there are on viruses to evolve to counter host immune responses many viral genes show considerable variation between viral strains.  In this study we are investigating the extent of genetic variation in a number of viral genes that encode proteins involved in immune evasion.  Proteins showing high degrees of variation are being assessed to determine if these sequence variants have distinct functions. 

Many of the functions and properties of viral proteins of MCMV that are involved in entry of the virus into infected cells remain poorly defined.  In this study we are investigating the properties and function of M73.5, a newly identified viral glycoprotein that plays a role in viral replication.

Investigators:
Dr. Anthony Scalzo
Dr. Alexandra Corbett
Dr. Andrew Mikosza
Ms. Catherine Forbes