June 28, 2023

Discovery of key gene that blocks the ‘spillover’ of avian flu to humans – Nature study

Results from a new international Nature study into the pandemic potential of avian flu, led by the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), reveals new insights into the genetic make-up of currently circulating avian flu strains, providing key information on the best lines of defence against widespread human transmission.

The researchers were able to explain in detail the findings of the study and why – given the recent bird flu outbreaks – these new genetic insights are so important, helping to fill a gap in scientific knowledge which could help prevent future incidences of avian influenza virus to human spillover events.

Speakers included:

Professor Massimo Palmarini, Director of the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), and the corresponding author of the study.

Dr Rute Maria Pinto, Core Scientist in Infection and Immunity, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh (did the work while at the CVR)

Dr Ed Hutchinson, Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Virus Research (CVR), and co-author of the study.

Professor Sam Wilson, Professor of Molecular Virology, University of Glasgow, and co-senior author of the study