Scientists employed gene-editing technologies to create chicks that are more resistant to avian influenza. The study, which was published in Nature Communications, highlights genetic engineering as a viable strategy for minimizing the effects of bird flu, which is a concern to both animals and people. Despite the gene editing, some infections occurred in the gene-edited chicks, especially at high levels of virus exposure. The study acts as a proof of concept, presenting hope for the development of flu-resistant hens, but additional research is required. CRISPR, a precise DNA-editing technology, was used to change the ANP32A protein, which the flu virus uses for replication. These changes have no negative effects on the birds’ health.
Gene editing has long been hailed as a possible answer to disease resistance
When exposed to a mild flu virus, control chickens became infected, whereas gene-edited chicks were resistant to infection even when given larger virus dosages. Some modifications allowed the virus to adapt and use the altered ANP32A protein in high-dose conditions. While these alterations were concerning, they were not enough for the virus to adapt to people. In the absence of ANP32A, the modified flu virus may replicate by utilizing other proteins from the same family. Scientists are currently working on developing chickens with changes to all three genes in this protein family.
Gene editing has long been hailed as a possible answer to disease resistance, with the potential to eliminate the need for routine chicken immunizations. The big question is whether these edited hens will develop normally and expand at the required rate. However, gene editing has shown enough promise in making hosts less susceptible to the flu, meaning that avian flu epidemics offer less risk to public health.