Do human disease risk alleles that affect autophagy increase the risk of severe influenza virus infection?

Influenza virus is a potentially serious disease in humans with the risk of global pandemics. The clinical course of influenza depends on viral virulence factors and the host's innate immune responses. For some individuals the response may result in an uncontrolled "cytokine storm", secondary infections and high mortality rates. This project will investigate whether a patient's genotype, in particular certain SNPs in the autophagy pathway, can lead to higher virus replication and increased production of cytokines. The association of host genotype with susceptibility to infection will enable faster diagnosis by identifying at risk patients. The opportunity to spend up to a year on placement with Roche UK will add an understanding of commercial aspects of bringing this type of new diagnostic to market.