FERFLU EXPRESS · Investigation of influenza immune responses and vaccine efficacy correlates by global expression profiling and immunological analyses in the ferret model of influenza

Pandemic influenza, such as the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus strains that recently emerged in Mexico and in the US, can have serious effects on human health. Development of vaccines that are able to elicit more potent and protective immune responses as well as reducing the impact of future pandemic outbreaks is critical. Successful development of such vaccines is dependent on animal models to test vaccine efficacy and safety. Animal modeling of infectious disease also allows for transcription mapping of the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which these viruses infect as well as how the vaccines against them provide protection. We will use the ferret influenza model to build a comprehensive map the genes signatures involved at the different stages of the immune response to influenza virus infection. We will also analyze the transcriptional profiles induced by vaccination using standard inactivated and live attenuated influenza vaccine currently being administered to humans. In addition, we will study the gene expression responses triggered by virus challenge in vaccinated animals. Careful mapping of the gene responses triggered by influenza infection, as well as the mechanisms the virus use to overcome these responses will provide key information for development of vaccines and antiviral drugs against epidemic and pandemic influenza strains.