Project Title: Role of endophytic microbiota in the anti-viral activity of S. Nigra against type A influenza and SARS-CoV-2

Project No: lzp-2022/1-0179

Period: 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2025

Project costs: 300 000, 00 EUR

Coordinator: University of Latvia, Dr.biol. Anete Borodušķe

Principle Investigator BMC: Dr.biol. Dace Pjanova

Summary

The project aims to investigate whether the endophytic microbiota of European elder Sambucus nigra L. contributes to its anti-viral properties. The study will test the hypothesis that in vitro anti-viral activity of elderberry extracts against SARS-CoV-2 and type A influenza can be altered by managing endophytic microbial communities of the plant. The objectives of the project will involve 1) determining the link between the endophytic microbiome and in vitro anti-viral activity of wild elderberry, 2) developing an endophytic microbiota transplantation methodology, 3) experimental testing of the proposed hypothesis by applying the endophytic microbiota transplantation approach in sterile S.nigra in vitro cultures and in planta.

Information published 02.01.2023.