Respiratory infections such as influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 remain leading global health threats, causing high morbidity, mortality, and economic disruption. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted major gaps in preparedness, including limited understanding of why individuals respond so differently to infection and recovery, and how social and demographic factors shape outcomes.
REACT addresses these challenges by investigating the host–pathogen interface across the three viruses. Its objectives are to build diverse retrospective and prospective cohorts, generate comprehensive viral and host datasets, and use advanced models such as organoids and lung-on-chip systems to validate findings. Integrating genomics, immunology, and clinical data with bioinformatics and machine learning enables the development of predictive models for patient outcomes and clinical trial readiness.
The project’s pathway to impact combines scientific excellence, societal relevance, and strategic alignment. Scientifically, REACT advances knowledge of immune and genetic determinants of infection. Societally, it prioritises vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and people living with HIV, and integrates social sciences and humanities by analysing demographic and socio-economic influences on disease and by engaging patients and health authorities. Strategically, REACT contributes interoperable datasets and tools to European infrastructures, directly supporting pandemic preparedness and public health resilience.
By creating knowledge, resources, and platforms that are FAIR, open, and reusable, REACT strengthens Europe’s capacity to respond to respiratory epidemics and pandemics. The project’s results are expected to have wide impact, from guiding clinical management to informing public health strategies and supporting innovation in diagnostics, vaccines, and therapies.
