Characterization of new insect restricted Negev virus and its interaction with the host cells.

Numerous epidemic viral diseases are caused by arthropod borne viruses (arboviruses), leading to significant problem in human health and economic condition. As opposed to arboviruses, infecting both insect and mammalian hosts some insect restricted viruses do not possess the capacity to infect mammals. In our lab we study recently described taxon of insect restricted viruses – Negeviruses that infects broad range of insect hosts and is world wide spread. Negev virus (NV) is non-segmented, single-stranded positive-sense enveloped RNA virus. Several members of Negevirus family have been isolated in recent years, however their structural organization, principles of interaction with the host cell and their host restriction mechanisms are still unknown. Currently we address virus-host cell interactions of NVs in mosquito cells. NV genome encodes for three ORFs, however their function remains uncharacterized. In particular, the identity of structural and non-structural proteins remains vague. We have purified the virus particles produced in cultured cell line of Aedes Albopictus (Asian tiger) mosquito and have identified NV structural components. Further, we have produced and purified recombinant viral proteins. We have established functional assays revealing the activity of viral proteins on the infectious cycle of Negev viruses. We aim to further characterize physiological function of NV-derived structural and non-structural protein and to unravel their mechanisms of action. Our ultimate goal is to reveal the basic steps of NV host cell entry, replication and egress.