Avian Influenza Virus: Comparative Evolution as the Key for Predicting Host Tropism Expansion
Matteo Mellace1, Carlotta Ceniti2, Marielda Cataldi2
1Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 30, 2025
Summary
Avian influenza virus poses a public health risk. Bioinformatics analysis reveals shared mutations between human and animal strains, indicating conserved adaptation mechanisms and potential reservoirs for viral spillover.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Bioinformatics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Avian influenza virus (AIV) presents an emerging public health threat due to its zoonotic potential.
- Cross-species transmission of AIV to humans necessitates understanding its adaptation mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms and evolutionary dynamics of AIV interspecies transmission.
- To identify viral mutations associated with host adaptation and spillover events.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic analysis of viral sequences from the NCBI Virus database.
- Sequence alignment using BLASTP and phylogenetic analysis of eight key viral proteins.
- Analysis of 156 amino acid mutations potentially linked to interspecies transmission.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated significant evolutionary proximity between human and animal AIV strains.
- Identified shared mutations suggesting conserved adaptation mechanisms during spillover.
- Highlighted potential animal reservoirs or vectors sharing mutations with human strains.
Conclusions:
- Understanding viral adaptation mechanisms is crucial for public health.
- Shared mutations provide insights into AIV host jumping.
- Findings support targeted surveillance and prevention strategies for AIV.
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