In the Avian Influenza Group we study the evolution and disease-causing capacity (pathogenicity) of avian
influenza viruses, to contribute to the development of control measures for poultry. Amongst our objectives are
the following:
- Identifying, at the gene level, the events involved in the evolution of high pathogenicity avian
influenza viruses from low pathogenicity ones, and in the spread from individuals to populations of
birds. The genes in question are those for the two proteins at the surface of influenza virus, the
haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA).
- Understanding how avian influenza viruses evade the early anti-viral defence mechanisms
(innate immune responses) of chickens.
- Developing novel vaccines against avian influenza, by putting the HA gene into vaccine strains
of other viruses already used for poultry e.g. herpesvirus of turkeys (a vaccine against Marek's
disease), and avian infectious bronchitis virus. In particular we shall be developing avian influenza
vaccines that could be applied to chicks before they hatch (in ovo vaccination).
- Contributing to the development of reagents and robust assays for rapid diagnosis of avian
influenza viruses.
Publications
-
Li Y, Reddy K, Reid SM, Cox WJ, Brown IH, Britton P, Nair V, Iqbal M.
(2011)
Recombinant herpesvirus of turkeys as a vector-based vaccine against highly pathogenic H7N1 avian influenza and Marek's disease.
Vaccine 29 (2011) 8257– 8266
[Abstract].
-
Iqbal M, Xiao H, Baillie G, Warry A., Essen SC., Londt B., Brookes SM, Brown IH, McCauley JW.
(2009)
Within-host variation of avian influenza viruses.
Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B 2009 364, 2739-2747
[Abstract].
- Iqbal M, Yaqub T, Reddy K, and McCauley JW.
(2009)
Novel Genotypes of H9N2 Influenza A Viruses Isolated from Poultry in Pakistan Containing NS Genes Similar to Highly Pathogenic H7N3 and H5N1 Viruses.
PLoS ONE 4(6): e5788.
[Abstract].
- Iqbal M. (2009) Controlling avian influenza infections: The challenge of the backyard poultry.
Journal of Molecular and Genetic Medicine. 3(1), 119-120.
[Abstract].