106. Measles Virus Host Defense Evasion Proteins V and C Have Also Transcription Modulation and Infectivity Factor Functions

Abstract

Paramyxoviruses are not only promising new agents for cancer therapy but also accomplished pathogens. Since their success is based on the evasion of host defense mechanisms often defective in transformed cells, inactivation of their host control functions may enhance oncolytic specificity. Host defense evasion functions of paramyxoviruses including measles virus (MV) are linked to their V and C proteins. These proteins are coded on reading frames overlapping with that of the essential polymerase cofactor P, and have multiple functions. We have set up 1) to produce recombinant MV with selectively ablated V or C proteins and 2) to verify the effects of V and C protein ablation on host defense evasion activities and other functions.