IFITM3

Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the IFITM3 is_associated_with::gene. It is reported to play a critical role in the is_associated_with::immune system's defense against is_associated_with::Swine Flu, where heightened levels of IFITM3 keep viral levels low, and the removal of IFITM3 allows the is_associated_with::virus to multiply unchecked. This observation has been further advanced by a recent study that shows that a is_associated_with::single nucleotide polymorphism in the human IFITM3 gene purported to increase influenza susceptibility is overrepresented in people hospitalised with is_associated_with::pandemic H1N1. The prevalence of this mutation is thought to be approximately 1/400 in European populations.

Model organisms
is_associated_with::Model organisms have been used in the study of IFITM3 function. A conditional is_associated_with::knockout mouse line, called Ifitm3tm1Masu was generated as part of the is_associated_with::International Knockout Mouse Consortium program — a high-throughput mutagenesis project to generate and distribute animal models of disease to interested scientists — at the is_associated_with::Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute.

Male and female animals underwent a standardized is_associated_with::phenotypic screen to determine the effects of deletion. Twenty four tests were carried out on is_associated_with::mutant mice, but no significant abnormalities were observed. However, challenge with influenza A virus indicated that these mice display increased viral susceptibility.