Evaluation of the Type 1 IFN Response in Viral Infections

Respiratory viral infections (RVIs) represent a major public health problem and a great burden in terms of morbidity and mortality in children and adults worldwide. To ascertain the source of an infection, microbiology laboratories routinely perform a crucial step: the search for the pathogen through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Due to the extensive variety of pathogens, testing for the existence of all potential viruses, bacteria, or fungi accountable for the infection is an impractical and time-intensive endeavor. Furthermore, the rise of novel pathogens, exemplified by those accountable for the recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, underscores the urgency of promptly developing new innovative diagnostic tests.

To address these needs, researchers have dedicated several years to developing indirect methodologies notably centered around utilizing markers derived from the host's immune system. Among these, one particularly promising approach focuses on measuring the expression of interferon-stimulated genes, which are uniquely triggered by viral infections, thereby facilitating viral diagnosis. This methodology's efficacy has been proven in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infections.

This study's objective is to assess the functionality of such a tool across a spectrum of Respiratory Viral Infections (RVIs) prevalent within a French population during the winter season.