PartnershipVideo How to Catch Flu
The Mechanisms of Severe Acute Influenza Consortium (MOSAIC) was established by Professor Peter Openshaw (Infection Theme Lead) in 2009 to perform a detailed hospital-based investigation of the clinical, viral, host genetic, immunological and molecular events underlying severe influenza infection. It involves a UK-wide research network of 45 leading researchers and their teams, through which integrated and complementary research studies are coordinated. Using an unprecedented level of clinical detail linked to laboratory investigation of viral sequence, host transcriptomics, humoral and cellular immune responses and measurement of multiple soluble immune mediators in biological fluids at multiple time points during the evolution of disease. The aim of MOSAIC is to allow a comprehensive picture to be developed of viral and host interactive pathways that underlie severe influenza. By an enhanced understanding of the pathways leading to disease, MOSAIC will facilitate the development of future treatments and immunization strategies.
Jointly funded by the Wellcome Trust and MRC, MOSAIC commissioned the renowned illustrator Steven Appleby and prolific animator Pete Bishop to create a short animation film for the purpose of public engagement.
We hope you find it educational, fun and most importantly prompt you to think about the part you may play in future outbreaks which could result in a pandemic — would you be a perfect host and potentially spread Influenza or are you immunised and therefore would stop it spreading? Scientific input was provided by Professor Peter Openshaw of Imperial College London and Dr Calum Semple of the University of Liverpool.
