# BIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY OF ARENAVIRUSES

> **NIH NIH R01** · SCRIPPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, THE · 1989 · $199,134

## Abstract

The goal of this project is to analyze the structure and function of
arenaviruses at the molecular and antigenic level.  Specific objectives
include a detailed structural and antigenic analysis of the glycoproteins
of LCM and Pichinde viruses in order to understand the assembly and
diversity of these molecules.  Analysis of persistent arenavirus infections
will be directed toward determining the repertoire of immune responses to
mice against persisting virus, and studying the changes that virus
undergoes in the course of persistent disease.  Molecular biology of the
arenaviruses will be approached in two ways.  First, we will study the
structure and functions of gene products encoded on the 8-9 kb L RNA
segment.  Second, we will undertake molecular cloning of the Tacaribe
virus, a virus which differs in fundamental biological and structural
features from LCM and Pichinde viruses, in order to begin to understand the
molecular basis for these differences.

Arenaviruses are significant human pathogens on the African and South
American continents.  In addition, Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis virus has
proven to be an extremely valuable and instructive laboratory model.  The
studies described in this application will provide basic information to
interpret the biology, structure and evolution of the arenaviruses and will
suggest rational strategies of diagnosis, therapy and prevention of
arenavirus diseases of man.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3126565
- **Project number:** 5R01AI016102-11
- **Recipient organization:** SCRIPPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, THE
- **SAM.gov UEI:** PHZJFZ32NKH4
- **Principal Investigator:** Michael Joseph Buchmeier
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1989
- **Award amount:** $199,134
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1979-08-01 → 1991-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3126565

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3126565, BIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY OF ARENAVIRUSES (5R01AI016102-11). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3126565. Licensed CC0.

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