OUR RESEARCH

PROJECT SCOPE

PRRSV, the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, is an RNA virus that affects the lymphoid tissue as well as the reproductive system in pigs and boars. The nsp5 protein within this virus has been isolated and speculated to initiate the degradation of the STAT3 protein in order to enhance viral pathogenesis. The mechanism by which this downregulation occurs is still unclear. STAT3 is important in the immune system because it is a master regulator that is involved in the immune system through the regulation of inflammation, tissue regeneration, and cell differentiation. However, it is generally upregulated in cancer cells due to its role in cell growth and proliferation. The role of STAT3 in oncogenesis is still unclear and dependent on tumor cell type and context. We aim to synthesize and deliver nsp5 viral protein particles to Lymphoma cells so we can observe and maximize their interaction with STAT3 in order to decrease tumor cell growth. Since it is unclear how nsp5 interacts with STAT3 and how downregulation of STAT3 decreases tumor growth directly, we will research how interplay works between these pathways, and expand on the current information.