Transcriptomic Characterization of the Novel Avian-Origin Influenza A (H7N9) Virus: Specific Host Response and Responses Intermediate between Avian (H5N1 and H7N7) and Human (H3N2) Viruses and Implications for Treatment Options

Josset, Laurence; Zeng, Hui; Kelly, Sara M.; Tumpey, Terrence M.; Katze, Michael G.

In conclusion, high-throughput profiling of the cellular response to H7N9 infection and comparison to those to other avian IAVs or a seasonal human H3N2 virus revealed that H7N9 induced both specific responses and responses in common with avian or human IAVs. Transcriptomic profiles similar to those of H7N9 and H3N2 indicate potential human adaptation of H7N9, and further evolution toward the response to human IAVs could be surveyed with novel H7N9 isolates. Our analysis pointed out several FDA-approved drugs, including minocycline, as potential anti-H7N9 drugs that would be important to explore in vivo. Virus stocks were grown in the allantoic cavities of 10-day-old embryonated hen's eggs for 24 to 28 h at 37°C for avian-origin IAVs or for 48 h at 34°C for the H3N2 virus. Allantoic fluids from multiple eggs were pooled, clarified by centrifugation, aliquoted, and stored at Ϫ70°C. Virus titers were determined by a plaque assay as previously described (19) . All research with avian viruses was conducted under biosafety level 3 containment, including enhancements required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Select Agent Program (http://www.cdc.gov/od/ohs /biosfty/bmbl5/bmbl5toc.htm).