The human herpes virus type 6 (HHV-6) is a novel herpes virus isolated from fresh human blood mononuclear cells. Although not exclusively associated with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), HHV-6 may play a role in lymphoproliferative abnormalities. As a recent virus isolate, little is known of the biological properties of HHV-6, and few reagents are available to investigators in the field.The development of a battery of subgenomic DNA probes of HHV-6 is necessary to facilitate studies aimed at elucidating the role of this virus in humans, including its putative pathological role. The Phase I effort will concentrate on developing subgenomic DNA probes of HHV-6. During the Phase II effort, the battery of probes will be expanded and further characterized, the viral genome will be mapped, and clinical diagnostic kits will be developed.
Anticipated Results:In addition to the potential usefulness of such probes to research laboratories studying the biology of HHV-6, they should prove useful in the development of diagnostic tests for infection by HHV-6 employed by clinical laboratories.National Cancer Institute
