# Endogenous retroviral impacts on exogenous retroviral infection

> **NIH NIH F30** · COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $50,520

## Abstract

Objectives. This project intends to train a DVM/PhD clinician-scientist to become an independent scientist and
prepare him for a successful career in biomedical science and translational medicine. More specifically, the
proposal addresses a knowledge gap in understanding the interactions between endogenous retroviral
elements and homologous exogenous horizontally-transmitted retroviral infections. The aims described in this
application will investigate molecular and cellular mechanisms conferred by endogenous retroviruses that
augment exogenous retroviral infections in a protective and/or detrimental manner. Completion of these
studies will provide information of mechanisms that may impact human health.
Specific Aims. 1) Characterize exFeLV susceptibility and replication capacity following natural infection of a
host without corresponding enFeLV. 2) Determine in vitro FeLV species-specific replication kinetics and
relationship to enFeLV proviral loads. 3) Evaluate the impact of enFeLV protein and host cellular receptor
expression on in vitro FeLV susceptibility of puma cells.
Application to Public Health. Understanding how non-infectious endogenous retroviruses impact human and
animal health is important for the potentiation of treatment and prevention of retroviral infections. Endogenous
viruses have been shown to play an important part in a well-functioning immune system conferring protection
from various infections. However, these interactions are not always beneficial to the host. Some of these
endogenous viruses interact with infectious viruses to potentiate exogenous viral infections. The mechanisms
by which endogenous retroviruses influence pathogenicity of viral infections has not been widely examined,
despite the fact that a significant portion of mammalian DNA is retroviral in origin. This proposal thus proposes
studies to understand mechanisms of endogenous-exogenous retroviral interactions and identify therapeutic
and virulence factor markers.
Research Training Program. This proposal outlines the training program for the applicant as is established by
the Colorado State University DVM/PhD medical training program. The applicant will simultaneously complete
requirements for a DVM degree while focusing on the requirements to obtain a PhD in the department of
Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology. The goals of the trainee are to complete five publications, a
preliminary examination, a dissertation, and requirements for a DVM degree while supported by this fellowship.
The goals of the training program will prepare the applicant for a career as an independent clinician-scientist in
translational medical field. Successful completion of the training plan will depend on mentorship from the
sponsor, cooperation and advice amongst the graduate research advisory committee and other advisors, a
well-established DVM/PhD program, a creative and rigorous research plan, and the applicant’s tenacity. Each
of these attributes are described in this ap...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9962992
- **Project number:** 5F30OD023386-04
- **Recipient organization:** COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Elliot Chiu
- **Activity code:** F30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $50,520
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-07-01 → 2021-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9962992

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9962992, Endogenous retroviral impacts on exogenous retroviral infection (5F30OD023386-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9962992. Licensed CC0.

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