Pathogenesis of bovine H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b infection in macaques.
Summary
This preclinical study establishes disease features of bovine-origin H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b infection in macaques, a translational model for humans. The work delineates respiratory tract infection and pathology, creating a platform to test vaccines/antivirals and to assess spillover risk.
Key Findings
- Established a macaque model of disease for bovine-origin H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b.
- Defined respiratory tract infection and pathological features consistent with severe influenza.
- Provides a translational platform to evaluate vaccines and antivirals against this clade.
- Supports zoonotic spillover risk assessment for mammalian-adapted H5N1.
Clinical Implications
Direct clinical practice impact is indirect; however, a validated macaque model accelerates development and testing of vaccines/antivirals and informs risk assessments for human exposure.
Why It Matters
Defines a robust NHP pathogenesis model for a rapidly evolving zoonotic influenza threat, enabling high-confidence countermeasure evaluation.
Limitations
- Abstract does not detail sample size or comprehensive virological metrics.
- Preclinical animal findings require validation in diverse strains and settings.
Future Directions
Quantify transmission parameters, immune correlates of protection, and evaluate candidate vaccines/antivirals across H5N1 genotypes using this NHP model.
Study Information
- Study Type
- Case series
- Research Domain
- Pathophysiology
- Evidence Level
- V - Preclinical animal study; hypothesis-generating mechanistic evidence.
- Study Design
- OTHER