The genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) circulating within human populations

Human Respiratory Syncytial Viruses (RSV) can be classified into two antigenic groups (A and B), each containing several distinct subgroups based on antigenic and genomic sequence differences, especially in the G glycoprotein. As high level of antigenic and genetic diversity exists among RSV circulating in humans, a better understanding of RSV evolutionary dynamics is needed to establish an effective vaccine. As part of the RSV sequencing project our objective is to increase the understanding of antigenic evolution of RSV, identify key genomic signatures of virulence and disease severity by comparing RSV sequences from patients with mild disease to those from patients with severe disease. We also aim to determine the mechanisms through which infant RSV infections result in asthma by focusing on both host and viral determinants of illness.