Can Replication of Beak and Feather Disease Virus be Controlled?
Two Proposals Frank D. Niagro Clinical Investigation Division, Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Fort Gordon, GA 30905-5650 (USA) Abstract: The unique properties of the beak and feather disease virus presents a potential for therapeutic intervention in affected animals. The probable rolling-circle mode of viral DNA replication and features of the viral replication protein suggest that either conventional drug intervention or gene therapy-based approaches might be developed. Although inhibitors of rolling-circle replication have not been described, a search for such compounds might yield a drug which will selectively inhibit the viral replication cycle with minimal affect on the host. Alternatively, a nucleic acid decoy molecule could possibly be developed to irreversibly block the viral replication protein within infected cells. While entirely conceptual, this alternative approach could be developed to prevent disease progression and lessen the morbidity associated with this de
