Biological threat detection via host gene expression profiling.

With the increased threat posed by biological weapons, detection techniques for biothreat pathogens are critically needed to monitor and assess the severity of the illness once exposure has occurred. Current approaches for detecting biological threats are either time-consuming or highly specific but provide little information regarding pathogenicity. Genotyping of pathogens by PCR provides a fast and definitive means for identifying pathogens, but reliance on pathogen genotypic endpoints has several limitations. Current progress in DNA microarrays technology provides an alternative way to address the issues faced by traditional detection systems through host gene expression profiles of peripheral blood cells. We discuss the advantages and critical issues facing the use of host gene expression profiling for biological threat detection.