Raccoonpoxvirus Virulence and Genomics: Improved Poxvirus Vaccines

Raccoonpoxvirus is a naturally occurring attenuated North American poxvirus, and thus it is of interest as a vaccine vector platform. This study will further explore the virulence of raccoonpoxvirus in immunocompromised and pregnant mouse models to assess its safety for human populations. We will also analyze recombinant raccoonpox carrying genes expressing foreign antigens for heterologous vaccine protection. In addition, we will analyze the sequence of the raccoonpox virus genome and compare it to other Orthopoxvirus genomes to identify the presence or absence of known virulence factors, identify novel sequences, and evaluate the phylogenetic relationship to other members of the Orthopoxvirus genus. This information will elucidate the virulence characteristics of raccoonpoxvirus and facilitate its use as a safer poxvirus vaccine.

Scholars @ ECU