Research: The innate interferon (IFN) response is a critical host defense against viruses like influenza A virus (IAV). As infected cells induce and release IFNs, uninfected bystander cells can sense IFNs and respond by producing interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). These ISGs promote an antiviral state in uninfected cells, which helps to control viral spread. During a viral infection, the spread of IFN responses must be tightly regulated to balance effective viral control with limiting immune-mediated host tissue damage. Unfortunately, we know very little about how IFN responses spatially spread through infected host systems. My project investigates whether respiratory mucus influences the spatial spread of IFN responses during IAV infection. We expect this project to improve our overall understanding of how IFNs spread during infection and provide insight into the factors that govern the spatial spread of IFN responses.
