Molecular Signatures of Biological Pathogens

This Phase II continuation of ongoing research aims to extend our existing database of human molecular response to infection with biological pathogens. We will compile gene expression changes that are predictive of infection with a larger variety ofbacterial and viral pathogens. The ultimate goal is to perform analyses that may form the basis for a commercial microarray product aimed at early and specific detection of the pathogen used in a bioweapon attack. The primary benefit of this research is to produce additional molecular data regarding actual human response to a variety of infective agents. The research will also provide computational analysis of these responses and may provide enough data to launchcommercial ventures in the following three areas: specialized gene expression arrays for early detection of pathogen exposure or infection; new clinical diagnostic targets for one or more specific pathogens; and new therapeutic targets for inflammation.