Molecular genetic approaches to study interactions between influenza viruses and host cells

Influenza viruses circulate widely in human populations and cause seasonal respiratory infections. However, the true reservoir host for influenza viruses are birds, and periodic spillover events from birds to livestock and humans can introduce new influenza viruses with pandemic potential into the human population; the most recent example was the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. We seek to learn more about how influenza viruses infect human cells and undermine host antiviral defenses. Previously, we demonstrated that genetically disrupting a host cell process known as “UFMylation” impacted the efficiency of influenza virus replication, with disruption a key gene called UFSP2 leading to a significant reduction in influenza virus replication. However, we don’t yet know precisely how influenza viruses interact with this cellular pathway. As part of our mechanistic investigations, Mitacs GRA trainee Artem Kichydzhy will use molecular genetic approaches to investigate these interactions. He will construct recombinant influenza viruses with precise defects in viral genes that have been previously shown to operate at the virus-host interface. He will then evaluate how these weakened viruses perform in cells where UFMylation has been genetically disrupted.

Faculty Supervisor:

Craig McCormick

Student:

Partner:

National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Biotechnology

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: