Host gene expression and respiratory syncytial virus infection

Advances in RNA interference (RNAi) and transcription studies have facilitated the application of systematic cell-based loss- or gain-of-function and cell response screening that enable genome-wide analysis of cell factors involved in viral replication and disease. Application of both experimental and computational biology approaches have led to crucial insights into virus infection, its life cycle, and host gene targets for disease intervention. A better understanding of the spatial and temporal host gene interactions during viral infection has enabled insights into mechanisms by which viral proteins co-opt host cell function, and host regulatory mechanisms that influence disease and treatment outcome. In this chapter, approaches to host gene discovery and transcriptome profiling for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are discussed in the context of biological relevance for disease intervention in the clinical setting and vaccine development.