Nucleolus targeting by negative strand RNA viruses

Negative strand viruses (NSVs) include diverse animal pathogens that represent significant threats to Australian livestock industries and access to export markets. We aim to investigate the interface formed by NSVs with cellular nucleoli, to determine roles in viral manipulation of cell biology during infection. This work will address a major gap in knowledge in virology regarding the fundamental biology of NSVs, and should redefine our understanding of the virus-host interactions formed by these important pathogens. By determining the mechanisms of NSV-nucleolus interaction, the work will also provide important information for the development of new vaccines/therapeutics for livestock to combat NSVs that target nucleoli.