Retroviral Evasion of Immune Response

University Of Chicago, Chicago IL

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Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We found that Muse Mammary Tumor Virus, a betaretrovirus spread through the milk, requires commensal microbiota for successful transmission. The virus exploits bacterially-produced lipopolysaccharide to elicit immunosuppressive cytokines and thus, counteract anti-virus immune response. Our studies will uncover the rules of retrovirus-microbiota-host interaction by using genetically defined and germ-free mice.