How innate immune signalling dictates avian susceptibility to viruses. (2025-2028)
Abstract
This project aims to understand how innate immune signalling dictates whether different bird species will tolerate or succumb to viral infection. Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) threatens Australian livestock industries and wild animal populations. Innate immune responses need to restrict viral replication without causing tissue damage. This project will reveal how innate immune signalling differs between HPAIV-susceptible (chicken) and tolerant (duck) species. Expected outcomes include novel insights into avian immunology, new approaches to mitigate HPAIV emergence and new strategies to predict species susceptibility to HPAIV for significant agricultural and conservation benefits.
