Neurovirulent Virus (Cryptovirus) Within the Rubulavirus Genus and Uses Therefor

摘要

The present invention is based on the discovery of a novel human virus that has been designated as a Cryptovirus, which falls within the Rubulavirus genus of the Paramyxoviridae. Disclosed are isolated Cryptovirus-specific nucleic acids, nucleic acid constructs containing the Cryptovirus-specific nucleic acids, Cryptovirus-specific proteins, isolated Cryptovirus particles, isolated anti-Cryptovirus antibodies, and compositions containing them. Uses for manufacturing a vaccine or a medicament are also disclosed. Also disclosed are inventive vectors containing the Cryptovirus-specific nucleic acids and host cells containing the vectors. Methods if isolating and propagating Cryptovirus are disclosed, as are methods of producing a mammalian cell line acutely or non productively infected with Cryptovirus; such cells are disclosed. Disclosed also are methods of detecting Cryptovirus particles, proteins or anti-Cryptovirus antibodies in a sample of a biological material. In vitro and in vivo screening methods for identifying potential antiviral therapeutic or prophylactic agents are disclosed. Methods of detecting a Cryptovirus infection in a mammal are disclosed. Methods of detecting Cryptovirus infection in a mammal are disclosed. Also disclosed is an animal model for human diseases, such as neurological, neurodegenerative, and/or neuropsychiatric diseases, including epileptiform diseases (e.g., epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis).