Track 16: Influenza Immune Defense
In the globe, IAVs cause between 250,000 and 500,000 fatalities annually. An immune response made up of several molecular mechanisms starts when IAV infects its host. IAV may infect a variety of species, and although certain host responses are common, physiological and genetic variations among these species can influence these responses. The study identified several important defensive mechanisms particular to tissues and species by using RNA sequencing to assess gene expression over time in cells and tissues taken from IAV-infected humans, ferrets, and mice. It has been demonstrated that the Tudor domain-containing protein, a kind of protein implicated in epigenetic regulation, encoded by the gene TDRD7 plays a crucial role in the immunological defense mechanisms against IAV in all species. After making this finding, the virologists carried out additional studies in which they inhibited the activity of TDRD7, which led to an increase in viral replication in IAV-infected mice. To create flu treatments that work, it is crucial to understand both common and species-specific reactions to influenza. This information may also be used to guide future studies on other respiratory illnesses like COVID-19.