Role of the host genetic variability in the influenza-A virus susceptibility; a review

TL;DR

This review examines how host genetic differences influence influenza-A virus susceptibility, focusing on genes involved in cell surface glycans, immune escape, and post-vaccination responses, highlighting areas with limited existing research.

Contribution

It synthesizes current knowledge on host genetic variability affecting influenza susceptibility, emphasizing specific gene categories and identifying gaps in the literature.

Findings

Host genetic variability impacts influenza susceptibility.

Genes related to glycans and immune response are key factors.

Limited research on host gene variability post-vaccination.

Abstract

The aftermath of influenza infection is determined by a complex set of host-pathogen interactions, where genomic variability on both viral and host sides influences the final outcome. Although there exists large body of literature describing influenza virus variability, only a very small fraction covers the issue of host variance. The goal of this review is to explore the variability of host genes responsible for host-pathogen interactions, paying particular attention to genes responsible for the presence of sialylated glycans in the host endothelial membrane, mucus, genes used by viral immune escape mechanisms, and genes particularly expressed after vaccination, since they are more likely to have a direct influence on the infection outcome.