FSQ014
Development of second generation RNA interference constructs against avian influenza virus
Serguei Golovan, University of Guelph

CPRC: $76,500 (CPRC $25,200, NSERC/AAFC $50,400)
Start date: November 2006
Expected end: October 2008
Interim report received: October 2007
Final report received:
Status: in progress

Background:
Poultry are in continuous contact with a great variety of viruses, and while they are resistant to the majority, they are harmed by a few, resulting in significant economic losses. Recent events have demonstrated that avian influenza is a constant threat to poultry industry worldwide. Avian influenza not only results in significant monetary loss for the poultry industry, but also represents a serious risk to human health. The possibility of another worldwide influenza pandemic is now taken very seriously. At the first sign of avian influenza outbreak, millions of birds have to be destroyed and an embargo on import of poultry products from the affected country is implemented.

It is almost impossible to eliminate natural reservoirs of avian influenza virus in wild migratory birds that show no visible symptoms yet can easily spread the pathogenic virus strains across the borders. Vaccination is only partially effective due to rapid antigenic drift of targeted epitopes of influenza virus. Conventional breeding has not produced highly resistant and commercially acceptable varieties. As the virus depends on the host cellular machinery for its propagation, preventing access to this machinery in the cells might block viral replication and interrupt the infection cycle. This project aims to develop RNAi molecules highly efficient against avian influenza virus. The development of this technology might lead to treatments that prevent avian influenza infection, and production of influenza-resistant poultry. The proposed research will also improve the understanding the role natural RNAi plays in protecting poultry from viral infection.

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