Mini-viral RNAs: Role in Influenza-associated Morbidity and Mortality
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mini-viral RNAs: Role in Influenza-associated Morbidity and Mortality
IRAS ID
258438
Contact name
Hamid Jalal
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
UKHSA
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The global burden of seasonal influenza is >600 million cases and about 650,000 deaths annually. During influenza virus replication, RNA molecules of four different sizes have been identified: full-length RNA and three groups of shorter viral RNAs. The full-length RNA is needed for the normal genomic functions of the virus. However, the role of different groups of shorter RNAs, in the life cycle of the virus or the pathophysiology of disease, is not fully understood. Recent research using cell culture and animal models has shown that a distinctive group of RNA molecules, mini-viral RNAs (mvRNAs), affects the immune response against influenza virus. Our project is designed to study the mechanism of action of mvRNAs and their role in the severity of the disease. Cell culture and molecular techniques will be used to study the mechanism of action of mvRNAs. The association between mvRNAs and disease will be investigated by characterising and quantifying mvRNAs in respiratory secretions from patients who were admitted at Addenbrooke's Hospital in the last two and future three influenza seasons. Specimens from two groups of patients will be investigated: non-intensive care patients (moderate disease) and intensive care patients or patients who died from influenza (severe disease). This study will further our understanding of influenza virus replication in humans and the role of mvRNAs in the influenza-associated morbidity and mortality. The outcomes may help in the early identification and treatment of patients at risk of severe influenza and death as well as the development of new antivirals and vaccines.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/EE/0049
Date of REC Opinion
28 Mar 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion