20th Annual Student Research Conference
Science
Identifying Amino Acid Changes Responsible for the Reversion of Yellow Fever Vaccines to More Virulent Forms
Kelly M. Arcipowski
Dr. Brent Buckner, Faculty Mentor
Two live, attenuated vaccines were developed in the 1930s: the French Neurotropic Vaccine (FNV) and 17D. The use of FNV was discontinued in 1980 because of a high incidence of encephalitis. 17D is still used today, but recent reports describe vaccine-associated adverse effects, including death. Strains from both vaccines were isolated for study, and molecular clones were constructed for each. The crystal structure of other flaviviruses has revealed the envelope region of the virus’ genome to consist of three domains. Domain III has been shown to recognize cell receptors. Using a two-plasmid system, restriction digests and site-directed mutagenesis reactions were used to isolate mutations within Domain III in FNV and 17D. A SCID mouse model was used to determine points of virulence. The aim of this project was to understand changes in the yellow fever virus genome responsible for increased virulence, with the hope of eventually developing a safer vaccine.
Keywords: vaccines, flaviviruses, genome, virulence, yellow fever
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 46-1
Location: VH 1408
Time: 1:15 pm