VSV infection

Basic – Advanced
Prerequisites for attending:
- Vaccination against Measles and HBV (> 100 IU/mL)
- Basic knowledge in virology, molecular biology, cell biology and immunology
- Working knowledge of cell culture technologies
- Knowledge and skills in biochemical assays (optional)
- Knowledge in Real-time PCR and work with RNA (optional)

Contents:

To translate the basic knowledge in virology into wet-lab work, basic virology assays such as
the plaque assay will be performed using Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV). To gain knowledge
of the infection pathway of VSV, the essential role of the glycoprotein G facilitating entry into
the target cell will be studied using a cell-based fusion assay. In order to understand the host
defense of the infected target cell and the strategy of VSV to evade from it, the type I interferon
induction by VSV and a mutant will be analyzed by a sandwich ELISA.

Techniques:

Principles of virus infection analysis will be taught: virus infection and plaque assay,
transient transfection of target cells, virus-free cell-based fusion assay, sandwich ELISA and
Western Blot analysis measuring type I interferon induction.

Exam: Oral presentation of a practical-related topic (English, 45 minutes) and written report.