Project Number: 3625-32000-106-05
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Apr 07, 2010
End Date: Mar 15, 2012

Objective:
1. Determine the mechanism of action of the antiviral compound DB772. 2. Determine the range of pestiviruses that are susceptible to DB772. 3. Investigate the use of DB772 to clear BVDV contamination of fetal bovine serum and cultured cell lines.

Approach:
1. In order to meet Objective 1 we will characterize strains of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) that are resistant to DB772 and compare them to BVDV strains that are susceptible to DB772. Function of differences detected will be tested using an infectious BVDV clone. 2. In order to meet Objective 2, cultured cells infected with other members of the pestivirus species, including border disease virus, pronghorn virus, HoBi virus, and bungowannah virus will be treated with DB772. Assays will be run to determine levels of replicating virus remaining after treatment. These same experiments will be done, in collaboration with Diagnostic Virology Laboratory (APHIS), with cultured cells infected with classical swine fever. 3. In order to meet Objective 3, fetal bovine serum and cell lines contaminated with BVDV will be treated with DB772. Assays will be run to determine levels of virus remaining after treatment.