Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
11029046 | Virus Research | 2018 | 5 Pages |
Abstract
HONOURs is a Marie SkÅodowska-Curie Actions Innovative Training Network (MSCA-ITN), teaching 15 talented young researchers to become “preparedness-experts”. HONOURs, initiated in April 2017, involves 11 laboratories from 6 different European countries, all at the forefront of novel virus investigations and characterizations. The network includes surveillance experts in both the veterinary and the human health sector, who have developed and utilize highly sensitive virus discovery techniques, e.g. next generation sequencing based genomics and universal primers based PCR, to allow identification and characterization of novel viruses. Production of pure viral proteins, providing high-resolution structures, aids in the design of novel, fast and easy-to-use diagnostics. Organotypic in vitro cell cultures systems (e.g. pseudostratified human airway epithelia) provide tools for virus replication, if needed via a reverse genetics platform, and the production of virus stocks permits inoculation in animal models to examine disease, evaluate candidate vaccines, and fulfilment of the Koch's postulates. Scientists of the various institutes will provide training in the HONOURs network through specialized courses and workshops, combined with challenging research projects. The final aim of the network is to deliver 15 expert scientists, ready to act in case of the emergence of an epidemic.
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Authors
Lia van der Hoek, Ernst Verschoor, Martin Beer, Dirk Höper, Kerstin Wernike, Marc Van Ranst, Jelle Matthijnssens, Piet Maes, Patricia Sastre, Paloma Rueda, Jan Felix Drexler, John Barr, Thomas Edwards, Paul Millner, Paul Vermeij, Ad de Groof,