Although the clinical outcome in humans in H7N9 and H5N1 virus infections involves ARDS, the mechanism behind the pathology is likely different: the H5N1 virus induces an overwhelming inflammatory response that destroys the lung tissues whereas H7N9 virus can be hypothesized to spread easily in the lungs causing cytopathogenic effects in the absence of IFN-mediated antiviral protection. The gene discussed is IFNA1; the disease is acute respiratory distress syndrome.