Sex differences in H7N9 influenza A virus pathogenesis
Julia Hoffmann1, Anna Otte1, Swantje Thiele1
1Viral Zoonosis and Adaptation, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany.
Vaccine
|August 31, 2015
Summary
Females, particularly those of reproductive age, show a higher mortality rate from avian H7N9 influenza. A mouse model confirmed increased H7N9 severity in females, suggesting a sex-dependent inflammatory response.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Sex, gender, and age influence infectious disease outcomes.
- Avian influenza A virus (H7N9) poses a significant public health threat.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex-dependent differences in H7N9 influenza incidence and mortality.
- To establish a mouse model for studying H7N9 pathogenesis and sex-based variations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of reported human H7N9 cases for sex-based mortality trends.
- Infection of a mouse model with H7N9, 2009 pH1N1, and H3N2 influenza A viruses to assess disease severity.
Main Results:
- Human data indicated a higher mortality ratio for females compared to males (1.2:1).
- Female mice exhibited more severe disease across multiple influenza subtypes, with H7N9 showing the most significant impact.
- Increased inflammatory host response was observed in H7N9-infected female mice.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest a sex-dependent outcome in H7N9 influenza, with females experiencing greater severity.
- The developed mouse model can aid research into the mechanisms of sex-based H7N9 pathogenesis.
- Results may inform patient management and vaccine strategies for influenza.
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