Dengue virus studies have shown that viral-encoded surface protein NS1G is linked to the host cell membrane via a GPI linkage and may exist in lipid rafts. Lipid raft formation may be required for the viral induction of host IL-8. This project investigated this hypothesis by expressing NS1 in both HEK293A and HeLa cells followed by treatment with methyl beta cyclodextrin to block lipid raft formation. The levels of secreted IL-8 were assayed using a luciferase reporter under the control of an IL-8 promoter. The results confirm that lipid raft formation is required for IL-8 promoter activation.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Walsh, Myles A.
• Deveau, Justin Stephen

Contributors

• Alan Rothman

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042810-155720

Advisor

• Adams, David S.

Year

• 2010

Sponsor

• UMASS Medical Center

Date created

• 2010-04-28

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright