Virus and host genes and the outcome of infection

The genomes of viruses and their hosts play important roles in determining the outcome of infection, both at the level of whole animals as well as in individual cells. This proposal investigates: 1) host genetics, by studying virus infection in mice with mutations in genes that affect immunity; 2) virus genetics, using a set of vaccinia viruses that are emerging as pathogens in Brazil and 3) survival of virus-infected cells using an in vivo model in which cells that survive infection are marked. Studying genes, virulence and cell survival will lead to a better understanding of differential susceptibility of individuals or specific cell types to infection and how virulence is related to the emergence of pathogens.