Researchers find clue to how asthma can lead to mutations of flu and even COVID

“And, since the flu is not so good at proof-reading its genetic code when replicating, it makes a lot of mistakes, and with more replication comes more opportunity for mutations to emerge.”

The team then used computer DNA analysis to identify which strains had emerged specifically in their mouse models.

UQ virologist Dr Kirsty Short said while the tests are still preliminary and only reflect their animal model, she was confident that a similar phenomenon was occurring in humans.

“Our rationale was that maybe this relationship between underlying host susceptibility and viral infection isn’t just a one-way street,” she said.

“Maybe the host’s immune response can also affect how the virus evolves.”

Like many in her field, Dr…