# Define long non-coding RNA regulatory mechanisms of host response to influenza infection

> **NIH NIH R21** · NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH · 2020 · $221,425

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Globally annual influenza epidemics are estimated to result in about 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness.
Between 291,000 and 646,000 people worldwide die from seasonal influenza-related respiratory illnesses each
year by the most recent report. The advances in sequencing technologies have led to the discovery of
numerous long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). While the specific functions of these lncRNAs are still largely
unknown, this new discovery offers an opportunity to develop novel classes of influenza interventions that
target relevant lncRNAs or their interactions with other molecules. Our meta-analysis identified several
lncRNAs that are predicted to be highly relevant to influenza A virus infection and host responses. Here we will
extend these analyses with systematic investigations to establish their functional roles in influenza infection
experimentally and to discover candidate lncRNAs as targets for influenza intervention. This project includes
two Specific Aims: (1) experimentally establish how these highly ranked cellular lncRNAs affect influenza
infection, and (2) identify lncRNA regulatory networks involved in influenza infection. In Aim 1, we will
determine how influenza replication is altered when the expression of individual lncRNAs is knocked down or
activated in human epithelial cells. For selected lncRNAs that the perturbation of their expressions affects
influenza replication most effectively, we will confirm their effects on influenza infection in primary epithelial
cells. In Aim 2, we will investigate: a) whether these highly ranked lncRNAs are interferon-stimulated genes; b)
whether they act in cis or trans; c) the impact of selected lncRNAs on host responses to influenza infection. In
particular, we will conduct an unbiased dual gene activation and knockout library screen to reconstruct the
underlying lncRNA regulatory networks and uncover directional dependencies in these networks. Together,
these analyses will allow us to better understand the functions of lncRNAs and their role in influenza infection,
and to identify specific lncRNAs as novel targets for influenza intervention.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9952312
- **Project number:** 5R21AI147187-02
- **Recipient organization:** NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH
- **Principal Investigator:** Xinxia Peng
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $221,425
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-06-13 → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9952312

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9952312, Define long non-coding RNA regulatory mechanisms of host response to influenza infection (5R21AI147187-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9952312. Licensed CC0.

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