Understanding avian innate immunity to improve avian influenza surveillance (2025-2027)
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) threatens Australian livestock and wild animal populations. Aberrant innate immune responses cause tissue damage in susceptible, but not tolerant species. This project will reveal the molecular mechanisms underpinning innate immune signalling differences between HPAIV-susceptible (chicken) and tolerant (duck) species. This project will also determine if these differences in innate immune signalling are conserved in predicted HPAIV-susceptible and tolerant wild bird species. Expected outcomes include novel insights into avian immunology and innate immune signalling and new strategies to predict species susceptibility to HPAIV for significant agricultural, conservation and biosecurity benefits.
