Molecular Mechanisms a Novel Genotype of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Replaced Old One

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K19135
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Virology
• Research Institution: Kyoto University (2017); Tohoku University (2016)
• Principal Investigator: Furuse Yuki 京都大学, ウイルス・再生医科学研究所, 特定助教 (50740940)
• Research Collaborator: Oshitnai Hitoshi ; Okamoto Michiko
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: ＲＳウイルス / 感染症 / 呼吸器感染 / 進化 / 遺伝子

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of bronchiolitis among young children. In the study project, we analyzed a new genotype of the virus, ON1. We identified genetic signature of the ON1 RSV by whole genome sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis with the sequence data revealed evolutionary pathway that the ON1 RSV had generated. Mathematical modelling found immunological difference and seasonality as factors responsible for replacement of circulating genotypes of the virus. We also found a phenotypic difference between the ON1 and a former genotype of the virus in infection model with isolated virus and human airway-derived cells. Further study would unveil molecular mechanisms underlying difference between the genotypes.

Free Research Field

ウイルス学