Soluble barriers to influenza virus infection

Project Details

Respiratory secretions contain a number of different proteins of the innate immune system - including members of the collectin, pentraxin and defensin superfamilies - that mediate antiviral activity against influenza virus. Detailed information regarding the mechanisms by which these proteins inactivate virus and their role in antiviral defence in vivo are lacking. Current studies aim to identify natural inhibitors of IAV in the airways of mice, ferrets and humans. As mice and ferrets represent the best-characterized animal models of influenza infection, the proposed studies will provide important information when assessing the relevance of each model to understanding human disease.

Research Group

Reading laboratory: Innate immune detection and response to respiratory virus infections


Faculty Research Themes

Infection and Immunology

School Research Themes

Molecular Mechanisms of Disease


Key Contact

For further information about this research, please contact the research group leader.

Department / Centre

Microbiology and Immunology

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