Genetic biomarkers for influenza
Influenza pandemics, such as the one caused by H1N1 viral strain in 2009 pose a global threat to human health. Although vaccination remains the cornerstone for prophylaxis against influenza virus infection, the need remains to obtain a deeper understanding on the triggered immune responses. In this context, the EU-funded FERFLU EXPRESS project worked on the ferret model of influenza infection to closely monitor the immune response at the molecular level. For this purpose, researchers performed comparative gene expression analysis in infected versus immunised animals. Their aim was to identify key genetic biomarkers correlating with vaccine protection. De-novo sequencing of the transcriptome from influenza infected ferrets unveiled more than 1 000 genes that were involved in the innate and adaptive immune response against influenza. Scientists also analysed the gene expression changes induced by closely related influenza strains. Although most gene expression changes followed a strain-specific pattern, a common set of genes was identified. Additionally, they established sophisticated statistical algorithms to identify genes that could be used to predict the influenza strain and the associated lung pathology. The discovery of promising genetic biomarkers is expected to lead to the development of novel diagnostic tools for detecting highly pathogenic influenza strains. Collectively, implementation of the FERFLU EXPRESS deliverables is expected to minimise transmission of virulent influenza strains and improve clinical outcome by initiating early treatment. Given the extensive socioeconomic impact of influenza pandemics, this may alleviate some of the burden imposed on healthcare systems across Europe.
Keywords
Genetic biomarker, influenza, virus, ferret, immune response, vaccine, transcriptome, algorithm