Dr David Brown
Research description
Replication of feline calicivirus: Feline calicivirus (FCV), a Vesivirus of the family Caliciviridae, is a significant veterinary pathogen. It causes acute respiratory disease following which it routinely establishes persistent infections in immunologically competent cats. Unlike other family members FCV replicates rapidly and to high titre in cell culture. This makes it a suitable model for the characterisation of calicivirus replication mechanisms with potential relevance to noroviruses. We are studying virus entry, replication complex formation and the unusual translational mechanisms observed in members of this virus group.
Arterivirus entry and cell-cell spread: We are studying porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and equine arteritis virus (EAV). These viruses, which are significant veterinary pathogens, are members of the family Arteriviridae in the order Nidovirales. Their endocytic entry pathways are being characterised along with virus exit mechanisms that may help these viruses to evade host immune reponses.