Gene editing blocks bird flu in chicken cells

This discovery is regarded as a critical foundation for further studies aimed at producing chickens with similar genetic modifications under real-world production conditions.

Targeting the virus’s weak point

At the core of the research is a molecule in chicken cells known as ANP32A. Scientists at Imperial College London found that during infection, avian influenza viruses hijack ANP32A to support their own replication.

Working in collaboration with the Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh, the research team applied gene-editing techniques to remove the DNA region responsible for producing the ANP32A molecule.

Results showed that the virus could no longer grow in the edited cells, confirming the molecule’s pivotal role in the infection process.

Implications for poultry and public health

Avian influenza has long posed a serious threat to poultry production, with highly pathogenic strains capable of wiping out entire flocks in a short period of time.

In rare cases, the virus can also infect humans and cause severe illness, raising concerns about biosecurity and public health.

Previously, researchers at the Roslin Institute had collaborated with the University of Cambridge to develop chickens that did not transmit avian influenza to other birds after infection.

However, the key distinction of the current study is that it does not involve introducing new genetic material into the chicken genome. Instead, it edits an existing gene, making the approach more attractive in terms of practical application.

The research was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, with support from global poultry breeding company Cobb-Vantress, and was published in the journal eLife.

Expert perspectives

Dr Mike McGrew of the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, commented: “This is an important step forward, demonstrating that we can create chickens resistant to avian influenza through gene editing. The study has identified a minimal genetic change that delivers a clear effect in blocking the virus.”

Meanwhile, Rachel Hawken, Senior Director Genetics at Cobb-Vantress, emphasized: “Avian influenza resistance in broiler production has global significance. This research represents a major step toward the goal of developing a more sustainable poultry industry in the future.”