Characterization of host factors involved in the replication of a plant virus

There is emerging evidence that plant and animal/human cells show distinct homologies in terms of antiviral defense mechanisms. Thus, an exciting issue of current research involves the characterization of homologous factors and mechanisms that support and/or defeat viral replication in plant and animal cells. The major aim of this project is to compare the replication mechanisms of plant and animal/human RNA viruses and to explore whether virus replication involves homologous host proteins in the cell. For this purpose, we examine Tomato Bushy Stunt Virus (TBSV) and Plum Pox Virus (PPV). TBSV belongs to the Tombusviridae family while PPV is a member of the Potyviridae.