Short Title:
Cytomegalovirus Reactivation
Responsible HRP Element:
Human Health Countermeasures
Funding Status:
Active - Currently funded and in progress
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Procurement Mechanism(s):
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Aims:
Cytomegalovirus
(CMV), which infects 50-80% of the US population and CMV DNA is frequently
found in the body fluids of astronauts during space travel indicating that the
spaceflight environment can initiate active CMV infections. The effects of
microgravity on CMV replication and its potential to evade the host immune
system are unknown. In this study, we will utilize the rotating wall vessel
(RWV) cell culture system to simulate microgravity on Earth allowing us to
study the virulent and infectivity properties of CMV and how it interacts with
host immune cells in the absence of gravity. The study hypothesizes that
modeled microgravity will evoke changes in cellular gene expression that will lead
to CMV reactivation and increase virus replication and infectivity. The
researchers believe that modeled microgravity will impair the anti-CMV responses
of host T-cells and NK-cells that will allow viral persistence and replication to
occur. During testing both traditional and cutting-edge laboratory techniques
that are typically used to assess virulence and immune cell function in the
transplant patient setting allowing determination if CMV infection in the
microgravity environment is likely to increase the risk of an adverse health
event during exploration class spaceflight missions.
This study
will provide preliminary data to determine if CMV virus displays increased
infectivity when exposed to a low sheer modeled microgravity environment. Data
will be evaluated and added to the evidence base capturing the responses to
microorganisms grown in rotating wall vessels.
Other Resources
| Other Resources Needed?
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Yes
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Category:
Risk Characterization, Quantification
Subcategory:
Evidence or Risk Characterization
Description:
This
study will evaluate viral infectivity changes when grown in rotating wall
vessels. The data will be evaluated and
used to inform future research decisions and investigations.
Internal Customers:
Human Factors and Behavioral Performance
External Customers:
None