PROGRAMA NACIONAL DE CIENCIA ANTÁRTICA (PROCIEN)
| Título | Biotechnological and therapeutic applications of novel Paramyxoviruses and other Antarctic viruses |
| Línea de investigación | Biotecnología |
| Résumen | Viruses are often considered pathogens; however, many viruses have been demonstrated to be beneficial to humanity and should be deserved a better reputation. On the other hand, Antarctica is a natural reserve for science and peace and is the most hostile environment to live in the world. Up to date, the viruses detected in the Antarctic are pathogenic, but some of them could present biotechnological and therapeutic potential. Viruses reported included Herpesvirus, Arbovirus, Papillomavirus, Morbillivirus, Orthomyxovirus, Birnavirus, Adenovirus, and Paramyxovirus. Recently in 2017, our group discovered 3 novel virus paramyxovirus species (Antarctic PMXs) that have been suggested potential as beneficial viruses in biotechnological and therapeutics, including oncolytic virus. Based on their characteristics these Antarctic viruses may have biotechnological potential but have been not studied yet. Beneficial viruses usually are used as biotechnological products, including applications of viral vectors, vaccines, and cancer treatment using natural or modified oncolytic viruses. We expected that the viruses obtained from Antarctic life may have biotechnological potential as; viral vector and vaccines potential, and oncolytic viral therapy. So far, we recognized the potential of PMXs as beneficial viruses for several reasons: a) are genetically similar to the Newcastle disease virus a well know beneficial virus, b) they have been shown cytopathogenic effects in cancer cell lines (Oncolytic virus potential), c) they have grown very in high titters in chicken embryo eggs (Easy to culture) and d) they are non-pathogenic for avian species close related with humans. Thus, this proposal aims to better understand the beneficial properties of the novel Antarctic PMXs assessing its biotechnological and therapeutic potential, and discover new potential beneficial viruses in Antarctica. To achieve the goal experimental assays in laboratory and field sampling will be performed in the Antarctic territory from animal samples. First, we Will perform a prospective study in Antarctica regarding obtaining more potential viruses and secondly PMXs and other new viruses will be evaluated and selected depending on their biotechnological proprieties for viral vector, and for oncolytic viral use, using standardized and validated methods. The results of this project will revolutionize positively the world of science and humanity, contributing to novel beneficial Antarctic viral species for therapeutical and biotechnological use and with new investigation lines in the white continent. Finally, the results also will be divulgated to scientists, students, and the general public highlighting Antarctica’s importance and its constant contribution to humanity. |
| Investigador principal (IP) | Víctor Manuel Neira Ramírez |
| Contacto | victorneira@u.uchile.cl |
| Universidad | Universidad de Chile |
| Año de ejecución | 2022-2025 |
| Co-investigadores | Cristian Gabriel Torres Mendoza |
| Colaboración Internacional | |
| Tipo de proyecto | Terreno |
| Código del proyecto | RT_08-21 |
| Equidad | M |
| Sector de trabajo | |
| Número | 80 |