Viral targeting of STAT3: Novel mechanisms of immune evasion

Ebola virus and lyssaviruses are global health threats that cause lethal disease in humans. The ability of these viruses to evade immunity is critical to infection, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. This thesis identifies novel immune evasion strategies whereby viral targeting of the host protein STAT3 suppresses responses to interleukin-6 cytokines, critical players in inflammation and immunity. The thesis also reveals novel exploitation of host trafficking machinery by Ebola virus to transport its immune evasion protein between important cellular sites. These data provide fundamental insights into infection, and identify potential targets for the development of antivirals and vaccines.