Genetic strategy to prevent influenza virus infections in animals.
The natural reservoirs of influenza viruses are aquatic birds. After adaptation, avian viruses can acquire the ability to infect humans and cause severe disease. Because domestic poultry serves as a key link between the natural reservoir of influenza viruses and epidemics and pandemics in human populations, an effective measure to control influenza would be to eliminate or reduce influenza virus infection in domestic poultry. The development and distribution of influenza-resistant poultry represents a proactive strategy for controlling the origin of influenza epidemics and pandemics in both poultry and human populations. Recent developments in RNA interference and transgenesis in birds should facilitate the development of influenza-resistant poultry.
Chen
Jianzhu
J
Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. jchen@mit.edu
Chen
Steve C-Y
SC
Stern
Patrick
P
Scott
Benjamin B
BB
Lois
Carlos
C
D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified / Q000276:immunology; D001717:Birds; D002645:Chickens / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D004372:Ducks / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000235:genetics*; D005585:Influenza in Birds / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011200:Poultry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D011201:Poultry Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D034622:RNA Interference / Q000276:immunology*