Sex disparities in influenza: a multiscale network analysis (Female ferrets)

This study utilized a network-based approach to characterize the blood transcriptome collected over the course of infection with influenza A virus from female and male ferrets to dissect sex-biased gene expression shaped by genetically determined differences. It provides molecular insights into genetically driven sex differences in transcriptional regulation of immune responses. Overall design: Whole blood transcriptome profiles from 36 male ferrets were measured at days 1, 3, 5, 8, and 14 post infection. Plaque assays from nasal swabs were performed to determine the viral burden. The relative weight of each animal was determined at corresponding time points, with weight = 1 pre-infection.