Post-doctoral position: Interactions of viruses of the Kemerovo group (genus Orbivirus ) with Ixodes ricinus ticks/tick cells and the role played by the tick innate immune response in shaping virus replication
Orbiviruses are vector-borne viruses responsible for human and animal diseases. Orbivirus species contain several serotypes (defined by the sequence of the cell attachment major outer capsid protein). Kemerovo virus (KEMV) is a tick-borne zoonotic and neglected virus that is responsible for Kemerovo tick-borne viral fever. KEMV and two related viruses (Tribec and Lipovnik virus) are three distinct serotypes of the same species. These viruses have been isolated from (i) field collected nymphs, and/or adult Ixodes ticks, (ii) humans, (iii) goats and wild caught mice. Antibodies have also been detected in humans and sheep. The economically important orbiviruses (bluetongue, African horsesickness, and epizootic haemorrhagic disease viruses) have been extensively studied, while tick-borne orbiviruses have been neglected. Our recent studies show that local I. ricinus collected in France can be infected with KEMV and supports trans-stadial transmission. KEMV grows initially to significant titres in tick cells, but these titres drop gradually within the first 3 months after infection, thus establishing a persistent infection of the continuous culture. We identified several genes encoding multiple Vago proteins in Ixodes ticks, including I. ricinus. Vago orthologues of insects restrict virus replication, for instance flaviviruses in mosquitoes. Our aim is to understand the role of innate immunity involving both Vago and RNAi pathways in controlling KEMV replication in ticks/tick cells. Tick innate immune responses play an important role in shaping the infection's outcome and vector competence.
We are recruiting a post-doctoral scientist (no more than 3 years post-doctoral experience) to work within an established group studying the interactions of orbiviruses with their arthropod vectors, focussing mainly on cell culture models. The project will use cell biology and biochemical studies to unravel the role of the Vago orthologues and the RNAi pathway in modulating KEMV replication in tick cells. Inhibitors of the JAK-STAT pathway will be investigated for their effects on virus replication. Various Vago orthologues have been cloned into tick expression plasmids and polyclonal antibodies to Vago have been raised. The successful candidate will also contribute to current studies aiming to identify the countermeasures employed by the virus to dampen Vago and/or RNAi responses.
Specific conditions:

• Applicants should not have had more than 3 years post-doctoral experience (jeune docteur(e), maximum 3 ans d'experience après la these).
• Applicants should have a Ph D in virology (or microbiology). An experience with arthropods' innate immunity would be highly appreciated.

Duration: 12 months, funded by INRAE.
Location: UMR Virologie, INRAE-Anses-Env A, Bâtiment Bressou, 7 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94700 Maisons Alfort, France.
Contact: Dr. Houssam Attoui, houssam.attoui@vet-alfort.fr
Type d'emploi : Temps plein, CDD
Durée du contrat : 12 mois
Rémunération : 2 000,00€ à 3 000,00€ par mois
Formation:

• Bac +8 (Doctorat) (Requis)

Lieu du poste : En présentiel
Date limite de candidature : 30/09/2024