Abstract. The FHMI lab has an international recognized science program in the area of arbovirus-host interactions ranging from research at the molecular and cellular levels through studies in natural hosts. The FHMI’s research program is geared towards deciphering host cell/virus interactions that define the pathogenicity of arboviruses. Several notable achievements have been recently obtained including the role of flavivirus M protein in trafficking of virus particles, contribution of interferon-inducible 2’,5’-Oligoadenylate Synthetases in antiviral innate immunity to arboviruses, the strategy of arboviruses for evading innate immunity, and the suitability of measles virus as a vaccine vector against dengue disease. The FHMI virology laboratory hosts the NRC.Arbo which is involved in surveillance and diagnosis of arbovirus infections in France mainland and oversea French territories and also contributes to the global surveillance of arboviroses throughout the world in link with InVS, eCDC, WHO and OIE. The close proximity of academic virology lab doing basic research with medical virology lab gives rapid access to new emerging arboviruses and this enables the research and medical virology groups to interact productively.

Biology of flaviviruses. Comprehensive study on molecular interactions between the ectodomain of flavivirus M protein and the light chain of dynein (Tctex) and their involvement in the intracellular trafficking of virus particles.

Protective immunity against arboviruses. Comprehensive study on the role of IFN-inducible 2’,5’-Oligoadenylate Synthetase proteins in antiarboviral innate immunity. Molecular basis of arbovirus subversion to antiviral innate immune responses (ANR project ARBOAS). Characterization of first neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies to Chikungunya virus (coll. SiN, Singapore).

Candidate vaccine against dengue disease. A single measles vector expressing the protective antigens of dengue viruses is able to induce neutralizing antibodies against the four serotypes of dengue (ANR project MVDVax).

Epidemiology of arboviruses : The NRC. Arbo identified the first autochtonous cases of dengue and Chikungunya virus infection in mainland France in September 2010.

Keywords: arbovirus, flavivirus, alphavirus, dengue, West Nile fever, chikungunya, viral pathogenicity, host cell/virus interactions, innate immunity, antiviral immune mechanisms, virus evasion, vaccine development, medical virology, epidemiological surveying

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