Study of papillomavirus latency in a rabbit model. (360G-Wellcome-082155_Z_07_Z)

We intend to establish that rabbit oral papillomavirus (ROPV) can establish a latent infection following experimental infection as is the case with COPV and CRPV, that leads to papilloma formation followed by immune-mediated regression. Having achieved this, we propose to characterise mechanisms of viral latency at the molecular, cellular and immunological level, potentially identifying possible targets for therapeutic intervention. Further, we aim to identify the cells within which the vi rus remains latent. We intend to determine whether or not a latent infection in the ROPV model can be subsequently reactivated by immunosuppression, and to characterise the molecular and immunological events which subsequently occur. Finally, we hope to identify a papillomavirus in wild mice, which is capable of causing a productive infection in laboratory mice. This will expand future possibilities of research on latency and offer better opportunities for developing therapeutic and proph ylactic vaccinations than the current model systems do.