H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b replication in bovine airway cells
A new study investigates the replication of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses in differentiated bovine airway epithelial cells cultured at the air-liquid interface. The study demonstrates that European H5N1 viruses can replicate in bovine airway cells, with rapid increases in viral genome loads and infectious virus observed within 24 hours post-inoculation. Importantly, infected cells remained detectable three days post-inoculation without significant damage, indicating sustained viral replication. These findings suggest that multiple lineages of HPAI H5N1 have the potential to infect the respiratory tract of cattle, highlighting the importance of extending avian influenza surveillance to ruminants.
The study emphasizes the utility of bovine airway cell cultures for pandemic preparedness by providing a rapid and animal-free assessment of the host range of emerging pathogens.
