Xenoexpression

Xenoexpression is the process by which Lycan express foreign DNA. It requires Uptaking. Although largely associated with Lycan, in very rare cases RAIs/Zeds without the T-virus have preformed something similiar to xenoexpression. It has been observed that Mercers and Trifected have much greater ability to use xenoexpression to their advantage than Londoners. Still, not all xenoexpression is done on purpose. Sometimes it's uncontrolled and dangerous to the user.

Broadly speaking there are two types of xenoexpression. Both of them can be either voluntary or involuntary.

Acute Xenoexpression

Acute xenoexpression occurs suddenly, often in response to a trigger. It takes place over the course of several hours in most infected, although some members of the Transformation Troops are able to force it to happen in a matter of mere minutes.

Chronic Xenoexpression

Usually less dangerous, chronic xenoexpression takes place over the course of several days. As such it is generally much less painful than its more sudden cousin. When an XRAIs/Zedheads or Jiangshi does experience xenoexpression, it is always the chronic type.

Transmission & Vectors

Unlike a RAASC (Rumase-Associated Altered State of Consciousness), there does not appear to be any pheromone components of xenoexpression beyond pheromones that the newly expressed DNA might involve (for example xenoexpressing canine DNA will result in release of canine pheromones). Therefore it is not "contagious" in the way a RAASC might be. However, being around other people with animal traits certainly does reduce the social pressure not to hide one's own such traits — as such, those who live in areas with high populations of Lycan are more likely to just involuntary xenoexpression take its course without trying to suppress it.

Symptoms

Xenoexpression cannot directly affect the brain. No matter how alien someone might become, the size and shape of their brain (and by extension, the brain case part of their skull) stays consistent. For this reason, people undergoing xenoexpression retain their intelligence. (Ability to speak may be limited by the configuration of their mouths, however.) For this reason it takes some time for xenoexpressing infected to learn how to use any new organs or limbs, but not as long as you might think.