Scientists from the University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London and the Pirbright Institute have published promising research into the fight against bird flu. With the help of a gene-editing tool (Crispr), experts will be able to limit infection by avian influenza viruses by modifying the DNA of laboratory-raised chickens.
In birds with genetic alterations in the ANP32A protein, which is responsible for virus reproduction, they showed resistance and reduced influenza contamination.
Scientists exposed genetically modified chickens to low doses of avian influenza viruses. As a result, 9 out of 10 chickens are completely resistant and cannot spread to other chickens. The dose of virus is already high, with 5 out of every 10 chickens infected.
Although birds show greater resistance to avian influenza, they are not completely immune. The next step, the researchers said, will be to try to completely block the virus’s effects by gene editing two other proteins, ANP32B and ANP32E.
Gene editing using Crispr methods is the process of making precise changes to specific genes in an animal to introduce properties such as damage resistance, increased productivity and improved animal quality.
The study also noted that the Galini fish analyzed did not have any collateral effects or effects on your health after investigation.