What is avian influenza?
Waterfowl like mallard ducks are the natural reservoir for many subtypes of influenza and act as the source for the emergence of novel viruses such as recent strains of H5N1 or H9N2.
These emergent viruses have the potential to cause human pandemics, fatal zoonotic disease or devastating disease outbreaks in poultry like chickens or turkeys. Poultry meat and products are also an extremely important source of protein for much of the world’s population, so avian influenza is a major threat not only to human and animal health, but to food supplies and economies in affected regions.
Our research and its impact
The One Virology team is studying the cellular mechanisms underlying the resistance or susceptibility of different avian species to infection with influenza viruses.
Using mainly cell culture methods, we’ve identified that chicken cells have a markedly different response following infection with influenza virus than duck cells. Duck cells die more rapidly following infection and produce a diminished inflammatory response. In contrast, chicken cells die more slowly but exhibit a marked inflammatory response.
Our ongoing research aims to understand the cellular pathways and viral factors which influence this apparent dichotomy in the host response to influenza infection. Ultimately, we hope this research will further our understanding of resistance mechanisms and pathogenesis and facilitate the development of novel treatments.