The Rift Valley fever virus is responsible for periodic, explosive epizootics throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The development of therapeutics targeting this virus is difficult due to a limited understanding of the viral replicative cycle. Utilizing a virus-like particle system, we have established roles for each of the viral structural components in assembly, release, and virus infectivity. The envelope glycoprotein, Gn, was discovered to be necessary and sufficient for packaging of the genome, nucleocapsid protein and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase into virus particles. Additionally, packaging of the genome was found to be necessary for the efficient release of particles, revealing a novel mechanism for the efficient generation of infectious virus. Our results identify possible conserved targets for development of anti-phlebovirus therapies.
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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3061922 | PMC |
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0018070 | PLOS |
Viruses
January 2025
Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
The Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) causes haemorrhagic fever, encephalitis, and permanent blindness and has been listed by the WHO as a priority pathogen. To study RVFV pathogenesis and identify small-molecule antivirals, we established a novel In Vivo model using zebrafish larvae. Pericardial injection of RVFV resulted in ~4 log viral RNA copies/larva, which was inhibited by the antiviral 2'-fluoro-2'-deoxycytidine.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFViruses
January 2025
Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
Rift Valley fever phlebovirus (RVFV) is a zoonotic mosquito-borne pathogen endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula which causes Rift Valley fever in ruminant livestock and humans. Co-infection with divergent viral strains can produce reassortment among the L, S, and M segments of the RVFV genome. Reassortment events can produce novel genotypes with altered virulence, transmission dynamics, and/or mosquito host range.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPathogens
January 2025
Department of Entomology; The Global Change Center at Virginia Tech; and the Center for Emerging Zoonotic & Arthropod-Borne Pathogens (CeZAP), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an emerging mosquito-borne arbovirus of One Health importance that caused two large outbreaks in Rwanda in 2018 and 2022. Information on vector species with a role in RVFV eco-epidemiology in Rwanda is scarce. Here we sought to identify potential mosquito vectors of RVFV in Rwanda, their distribution and abundance, as well as their infection status.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRift Valley fever (RVF) is a devastating zoonotic mosquito-borne viral hemorrhagic fever disease that threats human and animal health and biodiversity in Africa, including in Rwanda. RVF is increasingly outbreaking in Africa, leading to devastating impacts on health, socioeconomic stability and growth, and food insecurity in the region, particularly among livestock-dependent communi-ties. This systematic review synthesizes existing evidence on RVF's epidemiology, transmission dynamics, and the prevention and control measures implemented in Rwanda.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFVet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports
January 2025
CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-34398 Montpellier, France; ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Montpellier, France. Electronic address:
Zoos are considering to be essential places for the conservation of wild animal species. It is essential to prevent their infection by pathogens especially for those belonging to threatened or extinct species. Zoo captive animals are susceptible to several Culicoides and mosquito borne-viruses.
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