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High pathogenicity avian #influenza in #pinniped #conservation

By G.M.
  Abstract Since 2020, H5Nx high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) have caused widespread disruptions not only to global agriculture and trade but also to the health of free-ranging wildlife . Pinnipeds have experienced greater mortality from H5Nx HPAIV than any other mammalian taxa . Emergent virus strains, persisting over long time periods and vast geographic distances , have repeatedly triggered large-scale mortality events in pinniped populations. Of particular concern is the spread of H5Nx HPAIV to the Southern Hemisphere —including the emergence of a marine mammal-adapted clade in South America and detections in the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic —and to other remote locations such as the Hawaiian Islands . These developments elevate concern for the world’s endangered, isolated and endemic pinnipeds . While managing HPAIV in any animal population is a formidable task, working with free-ranging marine mammals poses unique challenges. In this review and perspective pi...
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Compartmentalized #cytokine #networks and systemic immune remodeling in #bovine mammary #H5N1 #infection.

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By G.M.

 


Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A H5N1 has recently expanded its mammalian host range; in 2024, genotype B3.13 emerged in U.S. dairy cattle with pronounced mammary tropism. In the past, Influenza A virus immunology has been characterized primarily in respiratory infection models, whereas this study delineates immune responses after intramammary infection. An intramammary H5N1 challenge in Jersey cows in the early dry-off period enabled integration of dose- and compartment-resolved (alveoli versus teat cistern) cytokine and chemokine profiles with peripheral leukocyte dynamics and H5/N1-specific antibody responses. Infection-induced quarter-restricted, monophasic inflammatory networks peaking at 3 to 7 days post-infection, coordinated peripheral myeloid expansion and IFN gamma competent lymphocyte activation, and rising antibody titers across quarters.


Competing Interest Statement

The J.A.R. laboratory received support from Tonix Pharmaceuticals, Xing Technologies, Genus plc and Zoetis, outside of the reported work. J.A.R. is an inventor of patents and patent applications on the use of antivirals and vaccines for the treatment and prevention of virus infections, owned by Kansas State University.


Funder Information Declared

Funding for this study was partially provided through grants from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Emerging Pathogens Initiative (NCW), the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) Transition Fund from the State of Kansas, the BRI Endowed Professorship in Animal Infectious Diseases (JAR), the AMP Core of the Center of Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (CEZID) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) under award number P20GM130448 (JAR, IM), and the NIAID supported Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response (CEIRR, contract number 75N93021C00016 to JAR).

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Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.06.710145v1

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