Recipient Organization
CORNELL UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
ITHACA,NY 14853
Performing Department
Clinical Science
Non Technical Summary
Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesviruses (EEHV) have been recognized as leading causes of reproductive failure, neonatal and juvenile mortality in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), and continue to thwart efforts to maintain a self-sustaining captive population of Asian elephants. Several herpesviruses have been identified by PCR, but thus far, the viruses have never been cultured. Various cells have been used in vitro to support the growth of these viruses without success. In the animal, the virus has a predilection for cells lining the wall of vessels (endothelial cells). Our laboratory has purified and successfully grown endothelial cells from the umbilical cord of African (Loxodonta africana) and Asian elephants. These cells were tested and found to be sensitive to different herpesviruses (Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis Virus, Equine Herpesvirus 1 and 2), bringing a biologically relevant method for successful EEHV isolation. The objective of this study is to isolate the virus from tissues and blood of infected animals using the elephant umbilical cord-derived endothelial cells; in addition, we will attempt in vitro reactivation of the virus from latently infected animals. Once the virus is isolated, significant understanding of the biology of the virus and the pathophysiology of the disease will be possible. This would constitute a major advance for improving the health and management of African and Asian Elephants, and would greatly contribute to their conservation worldwide.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
The objectives of this project are: 1- to maintain a sustainable bank of Asian and African elephant umbilical cord-derived endothelial cells 2- to isolate the elephant endotheliotropic virus (EEHV) in our elephant endothelial cell culture system, using fresh and archive infected tissue samples and stimulated (reactivated latent viruses) isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from naturally infected elephants Expected outputs: To provide a validated culture system for isolating the EEHV. To study viral replication in vitro, for future studies on disease mechanisms and prevention.
Project Methods
Our laboratory has purified and successfully grown endothelial cells from the umbilical cord of African (Loxodonta africana) and Asian elephants. These cells were tested and found to be sensitive to different herpesviruses (Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis Virus, Equine Herpesvirus 1 and 2), bringing a biologically relevant method for successful EEHV isolation.