Understanding and using Blast results

[Cogswell24]

I have done quite a bit of research on everything from BLAST to Flu types and before I begin my progect I need to know how to utilize the results from blast. I understand the E values and BIT scores but my question is not on compareing them, but what do you do after you have compared the BIT scores? How does this information relate to the effectiveness of the Flu virus and most of all what does it mean exsactly?
Thankyou
-c

[carolinethorn]

I am assuming that your project is based on the outline from the Science Buddies website to look at Flu vaccine sequences. If not, sorry, and post back with more info. Its easier for us to help you if you tell us exactly what your project is about if you want the best help.

The idea of a vaccine is that it mimics very closely the protein it is trying to innoculate against. The flu vaccine has short sequences that are designed to mimic part of a flu protein and stimulate the body to generate antibodies so that when a potential flu infection occurs the antibodies are readyand can recognise the flu proteins when they show up in the blood. The antiboides can then bind to the flu proteins and trigger the bodies immune system to fight the flu. The closer the sequence similarity between a vaccine and a strain of flu the more likely the proteins will have the same structures and the more likely the vaccine will generate a good antibody that will recognise the virus and lead to its destruction.

Best of luck,
Caroline

[Cogswell24]

Thannk you, this helped. I think I need to do more research on vaccines. My progect is based on the one posted on this site.
Again thankyou
-c