Programme(s) to which this project applies: |
☑ MPhil/PhD | ☒ MRes[Med] | ☒ URIS |
The increasing spread of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) has led to widespread poultry vaccination. However, circulating AIVs and vaccination practices vary between geographic regions and poultry vaccine-induced immunity is often only partially effective. These factors make it likely that vaccine-induced immunity will change the evolutionary landscapes of AIVs, creating unknown risks. Therefore, while poultry vaccination may provide some protection against AIV infection and disease, it also poses risks for the selection or emergence of new viruses with zoonotic or pandemic potential. In collaboration with investigators in Hong Kong, Egypt, France, Mexico and Morocco, his study aims to determine the impact of poultry vaccination on poultry-circulating AIVs and the potential for the emergence of novel viruses of concern using in vivo and in vitro models of influenza virus pathogenesis, replication and transmission.
Dr MP Zanin, School of Public Health
My research is focused on zoonotic viral respiratory pathogens. I seek to understand (i) host and viral factors that underlie the transmission of avian influenza viruses in mammals, and, (ii) which host responses lead to severe influenza and COVID-19 disease.
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