Differential Gene Expression in Virus-Infected Exosomes

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) are two of the leading causes of respiratory tract infections in young children and other immunocompromised patients. RSV is most likely to cause severe illness in infants younger than 6 months while HMPV causes severe illness between 6 and 12 months. MicroRNA (miRNA) and Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) are two types of non-coding RNA (RNA that is not translated into protein) that regulate gene expression. Exosomes are vesicles that carry biologically active proteins, lipids, and RNAs from one cell to another. Exosomes from infected cells have been shown to shelter and deliver viral RNA and proteins, viral and cellular miRNA, and other genetic elements to other cells. Exosomes play a role in both limiting and spreading infections depending on the type of virus. They can be used in creating antiviral treatments and vaccines. We aim to investigate the differential expression of genes that code for miRNAs and piRNAs between exosomes that originate from RSV infected cells, HMPV infected cells, or non-infected cells.